Queensland lighting up the sky on National Day of Mourning

• A National Day of Mourning will be held on Thursday for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.
• Queenslanders can show support with a minute’s silence and acts of kindness.
• Illuminations will pay tribute and foster unity across Australia.

The Queensland Government is inviting Queenslanders to participate in the National Day of Mourning this Thursday 22 January to honour the victims and those affected by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

The theme for the day, chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi, is “Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance.”

A commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light, will beam into the night sky in 15 locations across Australia including Brisbane and Gold Coast, with each pillar serving as a visible symbol of mourning, remembrance, and national solidarity.

Government buildings and other structures in Queensland will be illuminated in white, and flags will be flown at half-mast. 

Queenslanders are invited to observe one minute of silence at 6.01pm Queensland time.

Other suggestions include sharing a meal and spending time with family and friends of all faiths and heritage, leaving a candle on your doorstep or in your window, and doing a good deed such as giving to others, visiting someone unwell, offering hospitality at your home, and taking the time to speak to others. 

There is free entry for the day for visitors to the Queensland Holocaust Museum and Education Centre at Charlotte Street in Brisbane.

Visitors to the Holocaust Museum will be able to share a message in their condolence book.

Fifteen people lost their lives on Sunday 14 December last year when two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish community event in Sydney.

Premier David Crisafulli said the National Day of Mourning was a day of solidarity.

“Queenslanders will join with millions of Australians to pay their respects to the victims who lost their lives during the Bondi Beach terrorist attack,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“This is a time for unity, to remember those innocent people who died and reflect on the brave actions of those who risked their lives to intervene.

“These pillars of light are a symbol that hate will never win, and as a State we must all join forces to stamp out the anti-Semitism that has been allowed to grow in the shadows of our society.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Jordan Fabris 0418198814