‘OUR HEARTS ARE TRULY BROKEN’
Australia is in mourning after the senseless deaths
In the days following the attack at West eld in Bondi Junction, Australians across the country have banded together to share messages of comfort and support for the families of the innocent victims who tragically lost their lives in the senseless attack.
On Saturday, April 13, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing spree in the crowded Sydney shopping centre, taking the lives of six people in the process, in an event NSW Premier Chris Minns described as “nothing short of horri c”, and one that has rocked Australians everywhere as we struggle to come to terms with the injustice of it all.
Here, we remember and pay tribute to the innocent victims who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
ASHLEE GOOD
Ash Good was a 38-year-old account executive and mother to nine-month-old daughter Harriet. Originally from Victoria, the daughter of ex-north Melbourne AFL footballer Kerry Good was described by loved ones as a ray of sunshine and positivity.
In a nal act as a sel ess and loving mother, Ash managed to hand her baby daughter over to two brothers in a bid to get her to safety after the attacker had senselessly stabbed them both.
“Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round, outstanding human, and so much more,” her family wrote in a statement. “We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.”
DAWN SINGLETON
Dawn Singleton is being remembered as an “amazing, sweet, and kind-hearted” person by loved ones.
e 25-year-old e-commerce fashion assistant and daughter of multi-millionaire ad man John Singleton was set to marry her ance Ashley Wildey, a NSW policeman, who was called to the scene of the stabbings, where, unbeknown to him at the time, the love of his life had just been attacked.
“I should be here writing your wedding speech, but instead
I sit here sobbing, coming to terms with how life isn’t fair that you are no longer here,” said her cousin Jade O’connor.
“I’m not sure how I am meant to live in a world without you. I’m so broken and can’t believe this is reality. I love you so much Dawn and I will remember you every day for the rest of my life,” she continued.
FARAZ TAHIR
Cherished member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community of Australia, Faraz Tahir, 30, was on his very rst day in the job as a security guard at West eld when the attack took place.
Faraz, who arrived in Australia from Pakistan in
December 2022, was a valued member of the community, and an active contributor to charitable endeavours undertaken by the group.
In a statement posted to social media, the organisation said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this di cult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families a ected by this senseless act of violence.
“We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy.”
JADE YOUNG
ose who knew architect, mother-of-two and Bronte Surf Life Saving Club member Jade Young, 47, describe her as a “beautiful, kind and warm soul”.
“We are speechless for such a lovely young lady no longer being here, taken away in the prime of her life,” her friends said in an emotional statement.
“e sadness we feel, the impact this will have is immeasurable and it is forever,” the statement concluded.
Georgina Wilson Associates, where Jade worked, said she was part of their team for more than 12 years and was considered family.
“We are completely devastated. All our love goes out to her family,” the rm wrote in a statement.
PIKRIA DARCHIA
Pikria Darchia, 55, was a mother of two sons, and an artist from the Eastern European nation of Georgia.
Friends ocked to her Facebook page to o er condolences for her loved ones.
“I miss you so much already!” her friend Sophie Kato posted.
“May God enlighten your soul,” another friend wrote in Georgian script.
YIXUAN CHENG
Yixuan Cheng, 27, was a student at the University of Sydney, where she was studying for a master’s degree in economics.
Originally from the Anhui Province in China, Yixuan was planning to marry her partner back home after graduating at the end of the year.
Speaking to a Chinese publication, Yixuan’s ance said, “She happily talked to me on the phone at around three in the afternoon. She even tried on clothes for me to see.”
Sydney University Vice Chancellor, Professor Mark Scott, said he was shocked and saddened by the “senseless act of violence and loss of life” in an email to sta and students.
‘I’m not sure how I am meant to live in a world without you’