Martin Place siege victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson were laid to rest on Tuesday December 23, eight days after they were tragically killed.
Family and friends of both Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson gathered at two separate services in Sydney to farewell and remember their loved ones.
Just before 11am, Mr Johnson’s partner of 14 years, Thomas Zinn and his family, arrived at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Macquarie Street, Sydney to celebrate Tori’s life.
Also joining them at the church located just meters away from where the Lindt café manager was shot and killed, was Premier Mike Baird and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione.
A memorial service has also been organised for mother of three and well-known Sydney barrister, Katrina Dawson, at 3pm in The Great Hall at the University of Sydney.
As a mark of respect, those planning to attend have been asked to wear a splash of Ms Dawson’s favourite colour, aqua.
In lieu of flowers, the family have also asked for people to donate to the Katrina Dawson Foundation, a new charity set up in her memory that supports education opportunities for women.
Last week, a heartbroken Mr Zinn read out an emotional statement to viewers of the TODAY show, expressing his grief and thanking the community for their strength and support.
“As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family,” he said.
“We are experiencing unimaginable grief but when we look at the sea of flowers with all the heartfelt messages, and the crowds of supports at Martin Place, we know this grief is shared by the country and the rest of the world.”
He also extended his thoughts and sympathies to the family of Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson, another victim of the siege.
“This tragedy will remain with us forever but the uniting effects of this week, how they have galvanised our city and our country, makes us even more proud of Tori and Katrina and proud of all Australians,” he said.
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