Authorities say the conditions of six people in hospital following the fatal stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction have improved.
Saturday marked a week since Joel Cauchi, 40, killed five women and a security guard and stabbed 12 other innocent bystanders at the busy shopping center in Sydney’s east.
Two men, three women and a nine-month-old baby are still in hospital.
According to NSW Health, they have all improved to a stable condition since Saturday.
A candlelight vigil being held on Sunday will give Sydney residents the chance to unite and reflect on what has been a “terrible week”.
Tributes pour in as shoppers return to Westfield shopping center in Bondi Junction a week after the stabbing
Tributes continue to flow as shoppers return to Westfield Bondi Junction a week after the tragedy
The vigil starts at Bondi Beach on Sunday from 5pm.
“I think if we can stand together during the tough times, we can send a message that there are far more good people in this city than there are bad actors and evil,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“Those who have lost loved ones have unanimously said they can feel the support of the community behind them and know they are not alone.”
The Prime Minister said he has learned more about the six victims killed in last week’s attack, all of whom were described by loved ones as “hopeful, optimistic people.”
They were new mother Ashlee Good, 38, bride-to-be Dawn Singleton, 25 – daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton – mother of two Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Chinese national Yixuan Cheng, 27 and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30.
“One thing they all had in common was that they seemed like hopeful, optimistic people who were focused on tomorrow and that losing that sense of potential adds to the stress and sadness that these families are having,” Mr Minns told to reporters.
Security guards at Westfield Bondi Junction are now wearing protective vests
He said Sunday’s vigil would be a great opportunity to “stand with those who have lost loved ones and to remember those who have lost their lives.”
Counselors and support services have been made available to first responders who responded to several violent attacks this week.
“You can understand that the associated trauma will bring up a lot of emotions,” Mr Minns said.
“My hope is that this emotion is accompanied by pride in the work they have done on behalf of the people of NSW, because when they were asked to stand, they did just that.”
Attendees are urged to use public transport to and from the event as road closures will be in place.
The NSW Government will work with Waverley Council, Westfield and the victims’ families on plans for a permanent memorial.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
There is also an increased police presence at Bondi Junction Westfield