Events for National Day of Morning – Thursday 22 January
Australia will observe a National Day of Mourning on Thursday, 22 January, to honour the 15 people killed in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack during a Chanukah celebration in December, with commemorations taking place nationwide and communities encouraged to take part in shared acts of remembrance and unity.
The federal government has called for a minute of silence at 7.01 pm AEDT, with flags to be flown at half-mast on Commonwealth and NSW government buildings throughout the day. Click here for government information on how to mark the day including ways to perform a mitzvah.
Canberra
Major national institutions in Canberra will be illuminated in the evening, alongside a 15 Pillars of Light installation symbolising remembrance, solidarity and hope. Australians are also being encouraged to light candles at home, come together with family and friends, and perform acts of kindness as part of the national observance.
The national theme, “Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance,” was chosen in consultation with the Chabad community in Bondi, which has played a central role in supporting families and organising memorial observances since the attack.
Sydney
Sydney will hold coordinated public and community observances centred on Bondi, where the December 14 terrorist attack occurred during a Chanukah celebration. Flags will fly at half-mast on NSW government buildings throughout the day. Major city landmarks will be illuminated in the evening as part of the national “Light will win” theme. The minute of silence will be observed at 7.01 pm AEDT.
The Chabad community in Bondi, has played a central role in memorial initiatives since the attack. They have urged Sydneysiders to mark the day through simple, non-political acts of remembrance, including candle lighting and shared meals across faiths. Informal reflection spaces are expected across Sydney’s eastern suburbs, although organisers have stressed there is no requirement to attend a formal event.
The Bondi Beach Attack Memorial Event, organised by Chabad of Bondi and scheduled for Thursday, 22 January at 7.00 pm AEDT, will be recognised as a national event. The invitation-only gathering is fully booked and will be livestreamed via the Chabad YouTube channel.
Across regional and suburban New South Wales, councils and community groups will also take part through flag-lowering, local reflection points and participation in the national minute of silence.
Melbourne
St Pauls, Melbourne (Adam J.W.C., CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons)
In Melbourne, a public multifaith vigil will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in the late morning, bringing together Christian, Jewish and Islamic faith leaders for prayers, candle lighting and reflection. The service is open to the public, with organisers asking attendees to refrain from political symbols to maintain a focus on mourning and solidarity.
Brisbane and Gold Coast
Queensland will mark the day with beams of light illuminating the night sky in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast as part of the national Pillars of Light tribute.
The Queensland Holocaust Museum and Education Centre in Brisbane will offer free entry, inviting visitors to reflect on the dangers of hatred and the importance of resilience. Queenslanders are being asked to observe the national minute of silence at 6.01 pm local time.
Hobart
Tasmania will host a public community remembrance service in Clarence, near Hobart, with a short gathering scheduled for late morning on council lawns in Rosny Park. The service is open to residents seeking a shared space for reflection and mourning.
