By Karen TongWednesday 17 Dec 2014Open House InterviewsChristian LivingReading Time: 2 minutes
Thousands of grieving Sydneysiders continue to stream into Martin Place to pay their respects at the extraordinary makeshift memorial to the victims of Sydney’s hostage crisis.
Audio – Sydneysiders pay tribute at the Martin Place memorial
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On the day after the Sydney siege came to a tragic end, mourners are lining up to lay flowers and sign condolence books, taking a moment to grieve the deaths of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, and to reflect on the events of the past couple of days.
"I’m going to work like I would normally do but it seems different now," Di Hill, one of the grieving Sydneysiders at the memorial says. "I don’t think any of us will walk up Martin Place without paying our respects."
Audio – Rev Dr Stephen Robinson
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Rev Dr Stephen Robinson, Director of the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, has been spending time with mourners at the Martin Place memorial site since it was created.
“We’ve been on edge through the siege and then quite saddened, it’s been quite a heavy time,” Rev Dr Robinson says.
“Many people have shared how they’re feeling, where they were and what happened for them, and memories of other tragedies have been connected to it.”
“People have been thanking us for being here,” he says, “there’s a sense that the presence of God is there with the people and that’s meant an awful lot.”
Chaplains handed out tissues with many, including children, moved to tears by the outpouring of love and support for the victims and their families.
But there was also a sense of hope among the people gathered at the memorial site.
“It’s just extremely tragic what’s gone on, but I think it’s wonderful that all Australians have banded together and we do have a strong sense of community,” says Kate Bell.
Joel Egan says, “The best thing that’s come out of this is Sydney’s come together and everybody’s uniting in love and peace.”
