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"Never again": Bondi stabbing victim’s mother shares heartbreaking plea

The tragic events of April 13th at Westfield Bondi Junction shook the nation to its core. Among the victims of this senseless act was Jade Young, a 47-year-old architect, described by her mother Elizabeth as "glorious" and "hardworking". Her life was abruptly taken while shopping for a birthday present with her daughter. At a memorial service held in Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, hundreds gathered to pay their respects to Jade. At the request of Jade's heart-broken mother, Elizabeth, mourners adorned themselves in bright colours, a vibrant tribute to a woman described as "dearly loved and irreplaceable". Elizabeth's words cut through the sombre air, pleading for attention not only to her daughter's memory but to the pressing issues that led to her untimely demise. “I would like you to listen, I want Australia to listen,” Elizabeth said. “Jade Young was attacked and killed outright in front of her daughter.” As part of her tribute, Elizabeth then made a poignant call for action. “Never again do I want to read the words tragic or tragedy associated with the perpetrator of the murder of my daughter,” she said. “He came prepared, he had intention. He was a killer ... making a shopping centre the most dangerous place on earth for Jade. “I want Jade’s girls to grow up believing there is security, goodness and love in the world. I want politicians both federal and state to address the gaps in mental health care to make it a safer for our girls and all Australians.” It's a wish echoed by countless families who have been touched by tragedy and who long for a safer, more compassionate society. The outpouring of support following Jade's passing speaks volumes about the impact she had on those around her. Her colleagues at Georgina Wilson Associates, where she dedicated over a decade of her life, shared heartfelt messages of grief and disbelief. "Jade was family," they wrote, a sentiment that resonates with all who had the privilege of knowing her. In the wake of this tragedy, the generosity of strangers has shone brightly, with over $235,000 donated to support Jade Young's husband and daughters. It's a testament to the kindness and compassion that exist within our communities, a glimmer of hope in the face of darkness. Images: GoFundMe

Family & Pets

"No-brainer": Call for Jack's law to be introduced nationwide

A Queensland father whose son was stabbed on a night out is pushing for Jack's Law to be introduced nationwide in the wake of the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bondi Junction attack</a> and <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/teenage-boy-in-custody-after-stabbing-at-sydney-church" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wakeley Church stabbing</a>. Brett Beasley is urging NSW premier Chris Minns and other states to introduce the anti-knife law which allows police officers to conduct random searches for knives at public transport hubs and Safe Night precincts using metal detecting wands. “It’s an absolute no-brainer,” he told news.com.au. “It’s absolutely extraordinary how well it’s working here in Queensland. I believe every single police officer Australia-wide should have the same powers.” Beasly and his wife Belinda have spent years campaigning for the law following the tragic death of their son Jack, who was stabbed by a group of teens outside a Surfers Paradise convenience store during a night out in 2019. It's been three years since the law was introduced in Queensland, and since then 55,000 people have been searched, 800 weapons have been confiscated and 1400 people have been charged. “It’s the same as being pulled over for a random breath test, it’s exactly the same and it’s working,” Beasly said. “I can guarantee the NSW government, if they were to adopt Jack’s Law, then they will start finding thousands of weapons. It’s scary to think how many of these young offenders are walking around actually armed and getting away with it.” Beasly, who was “absolutely devastated” after hearing about the Bondi Junction stabbing spree, said that the NSW premier should waste no time introducing the law. “Chris Minns shouldn’t even contemplate it. He should just say, ‘Absolutely. Let’s do this’. “I get thousands of messages from people in New South Wales who say ‘We want Jack’s Law down here, we need it down here’.” “To lose a child in any way is absolutely horrendous, and to lose a child to murder is the worst way possible. Your child’s life is taken from them.” Beasly is keen to meet with Minns to discuss rolling out Jacks law in NSW saying: “if Chris Minns is open to a meeting with me, I’ll be on the next flight to Sydney because this government need to make this happen. It’s as simple as that." A NSW government spokesperson has told news.com.au that they “need to look carefully at our current policies to ensure the public is safe”. “The NSW Sentencing Council is currently undertaking a review of the sentencing laws for firearms, knives and other weapons offences. The NSW Government will also look at knife laws,” they said. “We will await the review findings and consider all recommendations carefully.” Beasly is also planning to meet with the Governor of Western Australia on Monday and hopes that they will also adopt the law. While waiting for other states to adopt the law, Beasly and the Jack Beasley Foundation are delivering free presentations about knife crime in schools. “Let’s work on this together and bond together and make a change and see if we can stop this,” he said. Image: Jerad Williams/ news.com.au

Legal

"We are with you": Hero cop embraced at Bondi candlelight vigil

The victims of the Bondi Junction stabbing attack have been honoured at a candlelight vigil, with police officer Amy Scott, who ended the terror by shooting Joel Cauchi, stepping out for the first time. Hundred of tearful mourners fathered at Bondi on Sunday night, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, NSW Minister Chris Minns also joined in the sombre event to pay their respects to those who died in the Bondi Junction Westfield one week ago. The community gathered to farewell Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27, and Faraz Tahir, 30, who were all fatally stabbed by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi. Cauchi was shot dead by police officer Amy Scott, who greeted and embraced emotional mourners at the vigil. Scott's actions were praised by the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier, who recognised her bravery in protecting the crowds of innocent people at the shopping centre. Speaking to the crowd, Mr Minns condemned Cauchi’s actions and the fear he instilled in the city’s residents. “Every Australian woman deserves to feel safe in her community. This is your state and your city,” he told the emotional crowd. “This is your home you have every right to live your life as you choose – free from fear and violence.” “We will not be a state where a woman is forced to change their behaviour because of the feelings or anger of other people.” The NSW Premier reminded mourners that millions of Australians shared their grief over the violent incident and were “in (their) corner” in the months to come. “Grief can be a terrible burden, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one,” he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced that all of Australia was grieving for “all that has been stolen from us”, including “all the possibility and potential, all the kindness and humanity, all the love and laughter of the six lives snatched away” last Saturday. He said the vigil was being held for those killed in the attack and for everyone affected, including the dozen people injured and the “survivors carrying the invisible scars of trauma and of fear.” “We think of everyone still trying to come to terms with a hole in their life where a loved one should be,” Mr Albanese said. “Every Australian is thinking of you. We are with you. " "As a community, as a country today, tomorrow and always made those we have lost rest in eternal peace forever in our hearts.” Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Australia outraged over one woman's callous Bondi remarks

A conservative commentator has caused widespread outrage for her "disgraceful" comments over the recent stabbing in Bondi Junction Westfield, which resulted in the deaths of six people. On Thursday, the shopping centre held a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/bondi-junction-westfield-reopens-after-stabbing-tragedy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">community reflection day</a> in which locals were invited to attend the reopening of the shopping centre and pay their respects to this impacted by the tragedy. Shops remained closed for the occasion, while Westfield operator Scentre Group's Chief executive Elliott Rusanow said the day of reflection was intended to help people feel comfortable returning to the site. Despite hundreds of people showing up for the emotional day, commentator Kobie Thatcher shared her wildly unpopular opinions on the matter, saying the day of reflection was "woke virtue signalling", adding that those affected by the tragedy have "had days to mourn". "Bondi Junction will reopen tomorrow for a 'Community Reflection Day'," Ms Thatcher wrote in a post on social media on Wednesday. "No retail trade. What kind of woke nonsense is this?" "Surely the last few days when the shopping centre was closed and people were leaving flowers were enough time for reflection. Let businesses reopen.'" The post was met with a furious wave of backlash, with former Lord Mayor of Sydney Lucy Turnbull saying the day had nothing to do with wokeness. "Nope. It is respectful and empathetic," Ms Turnbull said. Another called on Ms Thatcher to "have some compassion" for those affected, with one person writing, "You weren't there. You weren't directly affected by what happened." "Let those who were there decide what is the best method to deal with the trauma that they faced on the day." Further commenters also defended the day of reflection, saying it was an important step in healing. "Is it letting businesses reopen or forcing workers to return to a massacre site when they're still concerned for their health and well-being?" "So, Kobie, business is more important than the loss of innocent human lives and some time to mourn for them." Another simply said, "Kobie is disgraceful." Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images

News

Happy update on "unsung" Bondi hero

"Unsung" Bondi hero Muhammad Taha, originally from Pakistan, was stabbed in the stomach as he confronted killer Joel Cauchi on Saturday. While recovering in hospital, he made a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/forgotten-bondi-junction-hero-s-plea-to-pm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">desperate plea</a> to the government to let him stay longer in the country he now calls home, following the public praise and a confirmed visa extension for French national Damien Guerot, also known as “bollard man”. Now, the security guard confirmed that the government would be granting him the opportunity to stay here, and Taha says he is honoured. “Yeah, (the government) got in touch with me, so maybe they will soon start the process, hopefully,” he told The Australian on Thursday. “I’m very honoured. It’s a great gesture from the government. “I’ve been in Australia around one-and-a-half years. It’s home to me. I love being here. I’m very thankful for this.” Taha was on a graduate visa that was due to expire within weeks. In an interview with SBS reporter Janice Peterson on Thursday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Immigration Minister Andrew Giles had spoken with Taha and expressed confidence that his visa issues would be "sorted out". “We know that Mr Taha put his own safety at risk in order to protect people who were there shopping," Albanese said. The prime minister also told A Current Affair he was “very confident” the issue would be resolved on Friday. “The minister has spoken with the gentlemen who is still in hospital, Muhammad, and we wish him every swift recovery,” he said at the time. “We’re just going through our processes but we see no reason why this shouldn’t be approved, and I’m very confident it will be approved tomorrow.” He added that people like Taha were welcome in Australia. “This is again another person who is newly arrived, was here working, and put his life on the line in order to protect Australians who he didn’t know,” he said. “Amidst all this carnage and sorrow, there are stories of bravery ... he certainly is the sort of character that we want to see continuing to contribute here in Australia.” Images: Getty/ news.com.au

Caring

Bondi Junction Westfield reopens after stabbing tragedy

Bondi Junction Westfield has reopened five days after the devastating stabbing tragedy that claimed the lives of six people and injured several others. Before the centre opened at 11am on Thursday, dozens of people lined up to pay their respects to those who have died at the "community reflection day" held at the centre. The centre was lined with images of black commemorative ribbons to honour those who lost their lives on Saturday, when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi went on his stabbing rampage through the centre. Speaking from inside the Westfield today, one woman told news.com.au said she was returning to the centre with her toddler because she works in one of the stores and wanted to get used to going inside again after the tragic events. Another man said he felt compelled to come today because “everyone in Sydney has been to Bondi Junction at some point”. He noted how it felt “weird” to be there but he thought it was important the victims didn’t go “unseen”. Similarly, a young woman that works down the road in nearby Eastgate shopping centre said she was here today to “pay her respects”. She also noted it felt like the “safest” day to return to the shopping centre because of the ramped up police presence. Scentre Group, which owns and operates the shopping centre, said there would be no retail trade on the day of reflection, but shops would open for business on Friday with an increased police and security presence. “The centre will be quiet — it will allow for reflection to occur,” chief executive Elliott Rusanow said. The shopping centre will resume normal trading hours on Friday, although Rusanow said some businesses would remain shut. “It will be their (retailers’) choice when they want to re-open,” he said. “This has been a very difficult time and I want to acknowledge the hard work and tireless efforts of our Westfield Bondi and Scentre Group teams,” Mr Rusanow said. “They have been working through conditions which have been devastating in their minds and in all our minds." Premier Chris Minns said the devastating attack had touched people across NSW, regardless of whether they knew the victims. “This vigil will be an opportunity for the community to stand together to support and honour the victims and survivors of this horrific tragedy,” he said. “I hope they can draw some strength from the fact that there’s many people that are standing with them during this time.” Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Forgotten Bondi Junction hero's plea to PM

An "unsung hero" still recovering in hospital after confronting Joel Cauchi during the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings, has asked the Prime Minister if he too can be considered for citizenship. Muhammad Taha and Faraz Tahir were the two security guards who risked their lives to protect innocent bystanders when they confronted the killer on Saturday afternoon. Tahir lost his life in the process, while Taha remains in hospital after sustaining severe injuries. Taha, originally from Pakistan, recalled the events of the tragic day from his hospital bed, and described the moment they witnessed people fleeing in panic. “Faraz moved to assess the situation and to save the people; all of a sudden the guy came out,” he told The Australian. “Faraz confronted him and was stabbed. After that, (Cauchi) jumped on me. I tried to defend but got stabbed.” Taha who is currently on a graduate visa that is due to expire within weeks, issued a desperate plea to the government asking them to give him an extension, following the public praise and a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/prime-minister-s-extraordinary-offer-for-bollard-man" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed visa extension</a> for French national Damien Guerot, nicknamed “bollard man” after the attacks. “As a direct victim of the incident, I believe I deserve recognition and consideration for citizenship,” Taha said. His request was also met with support from Sunrise’s Nat Barr who took the inquiry straight to Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday morning. “Mr Taha wants to know where his visa is at after the Prime Minister told the bollard hero that he can be in Australia as long as he likes ... Will Mr Taha also be allowed to stay?” she asked live on air. Marles said the immigration minister will work on a visa application, and said that Taha's act was "enormously brave". “Coming out of that tragedy are these incredible stories of bravery for which the nation is really greatly indebted and the circumstances of Mr Taha I’m sure will be worked through.” Shajar Ahmad, another colleague of Taha and Tahir, described them as “unsung heroes” of the bloody massacre. Albanese has responded to the request and said that a permanent visa would be “granted to (Guerot) today”, and that Taha’s case will also be considered. “(Taha) confronted this guy... It just shows extraordinary courage, these are people who ... not thinking of themselves, were putting themselves in danger protecting Australians they didn’t know, just people going about their shopping,” Albanese told Adelaide radio 5AA. “And that’s the sort of courage that we want to say thank you to, frankly. Those extraordinary stories of bravery in amongst the carnage and tragedy that we saw on Saturday. “It’s a bit of light in amongst the darkness that you saw these extraordinary acts.” Images: news.com.au

Legal

Why is the Sydney church stabbing an act of terrorism, but the Bondi tragedy isn’t?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/greg-barton-10990">Greg Barton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Just days after the deadly <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-14/several-killed-in-mass-stabbing-at-westfield-bondi-junction/103705354">Westfield Bondi attacks</a>, a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/albanese-says-there-is-no-place-for-violence-in-our-community/10372830">second knife attack</a> in Sydney has generated widespread shock and grief. This time, a 16-year-old entered an Assyrian church and rushed forward to stab the popular bishop presiding over a service, together with a priest who rushed to his defence. The shocking events were captured on the church’s video stream, and the news quickly reached thousands of members of Sydney’s large Assyrian community. While both priests were injured, thankfully the knife blows were not fatal. Parishioners immobilised the attacker, and police and paramedics swarmed the church. Police moved quickly to identify the assailant and analyse his apparent motivation before announcing they were treating the attack as a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68823240">terrorist incident</a> early this morning. Public knife attacks are rare in Australia, and for Sydney to experience two in quick succession has rightfully alarmed many and, understandably, led to comparisons between the two. A lot of the discussion is around why the Bondi Junction shopping mall attack in which six were killed wasn’t considered terrorism, but this shocking, but non-lethal, attack was. So what do we know about the church attack, and what important distinctions can be made between it and the awful events at Bondi? <h2>What happened at the church?</h2> Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has developed a large following, not just in Australia but in the Assyrian diaspora <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/who-is-bishop-mar-mari-emmanuel-wakeley-church-attack/103728808">around the world</a>, with his live-streamed sermons. Shortly after seven o'clock on Monday night, the video feed of the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney’s outer west went dead, but not before it captured the shocking attack and parishioners rushing forward to help. Almost immediately, crowds gathered outside the church. We don’t yet know the motivations of the people who turned up, but it can be assumed they were there because they either saw or heard of what had happened and rushed over out of concern. Tragically, at some point the dynamics of the fast-swelling crowd took a dark turn. Instead of letting the large police and ambulance presence continue to handle the situation, some emotional onlookers turned on the authorities. Multiple police officers and paramedics were injured and vehicles were heavily damaged. It’s likely the fact the attack was captured on video, and therefore able to be shared and watched over and over again, added to the combustibility of an already volatile situation. It would appear the attack was deliberately planned to provoke an angry response. But what exactly happened in the crowd is the subject of one police investigation. <h2>Why is it considered a terrorist act?</h2> The other investigation is an anti-terrorism one. This is because while the teenager acted alone, it’s very likely they had received encouragement and backing from others. <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/unabomber">The Unabomber</a> is one of the very few documented cases of someone committing violence for ideological reasons truly in isolation. This lone actor attack in Sydney is reminiscent of the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-03/nsw-police-headquarters-gunman-was-radicalised-youth/6825028">2015 murder</a> of police accountant Curtis Cheng. He was shot dead by a 15-year-old who had been radicalised by supporters of Islamic State. It later came out <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-14/curtis-cheng-murder-surveillance-man-guilty-of-terror-plan/10900982">in court</a> the attack had been planned by three other people, who also supplied him with the gun. Police were quick to pronounce the knife attack on Monday to be an act of terrorism. Having identified the attacker, they would have been studying his social connections and examining his digital footprint. The police assessment would have also given attention to the particulars of the church targeted. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Assyrian">Assyrians</a> (people from northwest Iraq, northeast Syria and southeast Turkey) are almost exclusively Christian, belonging to one of the oldest churches in existence, living in precisely that part of the world in which the Islamic State established its brutal caliphate. It’s telling that before the caliphate was established, Assyrians made up just 3% of the Iraqi population. But in the wake of Islamic State sweeping across northern Syria and Iraq, Assyrians soon made up <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/assyrian-australians-plead-for-second-special-refugee-settlement-deal/x7ej8ix2y">40%</a> of Iraqi refugees. The trauma of those years is <a href="https://theconversation.com/diversity-and-religious-pluralism-are-disappearing-amid-iraqs-crisis-29832">recent history</a>, fresh in the minds of many. The recent Islamic State claim of responsibility for the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/27/europe/missing-people-russia-moscow-concert-hall-attack-intl/index.html">recent deadly attacks in Moscow</a>, is a reminder the group remains a live and growing threat. For these reasons police will be looking for any evidence Islamic State might have played a role in inspiring this attack. <h2>Terrorism or not terrorism?</h2> Events at the church have been under a bigger spotlight given the events of the days preceding it. Despite <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/15/false-claims-started-spreading-about-the-bondi-junction-stabbing-attack-as-soon-as-it-happened">early misinformation</a>, police said thathey believe the Bondi killer, Joel Cauchi, was not motivated by a larger political cause – that is, a terrorist motivation. Instead, they say he lashed out violently because of anger control issues related to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/14/joel-cauchi-who-was-the-queensland-man-who-carried-out-the-bondi-junction-mass-stabbing">mental ill-health</a>. But of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/14/bondi-junction-mass-stabbing-attack-who-are-the-six-victims">six people</a> he killed, five were women. Women also make up the majority of those injured. The one man who lost his life, security guard Faraz Tahir, a Muslim refugee from Pakistan, was attacked because he bravely <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/16/friend-of-bondi-security-guard-says-his-last-moments-were-brave/">rushed towards</a> danger in an attempt to try to stop Cauchi. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Cauchi <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-15/westfield-bondi-attack-stabbing-investigation/103706698">deliberately targeted women</a>. So if someone is targeting a specific group of people, isn’t that terrorism? Why does it matter if they were killing based on gender or religion? Is misogyny not terrorism? Put simply, the defining characteristic of terrorism is perpetuating violence in the name of a higher, broader cause. Terrorists have a belief in a collective goal, and see themselves as being backed by people who share that belief. Misogyny can be an element of their motivation and justification of hatred, but it’s part of a larger political project. Basically, it boils down to whether these violent actors think they’re part of a political or religious movement that’s going to <a href="https://theconversation.com/social-inclusion-is-important-in-aotearoa-new-zealand-but-so-is-speaking-honestly-about-terrorism-167429">change the system</a>, or whether they are simply angry men projecting loathing and driven by personal demons. The two, of course, are <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/not-since-the-lindt-siege-has-sydney-known-grief-like-this-20240414-p5fjnl.html">not mutually exclusive</a>. This is not to undermine the damage that angry men can, and do, inflict. Domestic violence is a bigger threat to Australians than terrorism. Calling something a terrorist act doesn’t make it more or less serious than anything else, rather the categorisation is to provide conceptual clarity for the sake of the ensuing investigation. Events at Westfield Bondi Junction and the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church are both awful, but while they share some similarities, they are different sorts of crimes with different drivers and enablers. As police investigations continue, we’ll come to better understand the nature of both.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/227997/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/greg-barton-10990">Greg Barton</a>, Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credit: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-sydney-church-stabbing-an-act-of-terrorism-but-the-bondi-tragedy-isnt-227997">original article</a>. </div>

Caring

Student wrongly named as Bondi killer sues Seven Network

A 20-year-old university student who was wrongly named as the Bondi Junction killer has made moves to sue the Seven Network for defamation. As the terrifying rampage at the eastern suburbs Westfield unfolded on Saturday which resulted in the deaths of six people, Ben Cohen was named by the Seven Network as the knife-wielding man. Mr Cohen’s name was wrongly linked to the attack by Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington shortly after 6am on Sunday and again by journalist Lucy McLeod just 10 minutes later. It wasn't until hours later that Seven identified the right man, Joel Cauchi, as the killer as journalist Sarah Jane Bell issued an on-air apology to Mr Cohen during the evening news bulletin. “Earlier this morning, reports of the incident incorrectly named the perpetrator as 40-year-old Benjamin Cohen,” she said on air. “It was later confirmed that the name of the 40-year-old is Joel Cauchi from Queensland. Seven apologises for any distress caused by our earlier reports.” Mr Cohen is still reeling from the incident, saying he has been targeted by online trolls on social media ever since he was wrongly named by the network. His name was one of the most trending topics on X in Australia the day of the mass stabbing, with many people quick to point out Mr Cohen's Jewish identity, claiming the stabbings were an act of violence in support of the war in Israel against Palestine. The university student has taken the first steps in launching legal action against the network, engaging with two of Australia’s foremost defamation lawyers in Patrick George of Giles George as his solicitor, and Sue Chrysanthou SC as barrister. Mr George confirmed he had sent a concerns notice to Seven, the first step in defamation proceedings. “We await a response from Seven,” Mr George told NCA NewsWire. Mr Cohen told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/student-wrongly-named-as-westfield-bondi-junction-killer-moves-to-sue-seven/news-story/f4c67b123e19cbf3d5a6a6bf39708ea8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> earlier this week that he had been inundated with friend requests and messages on social media after being named by Seven, with the unwanted attention taking a toll on his mental health. “It’s just gone crazy, it’s like ‘look, you’ve got the wrong guy’,” Mr Cohen, a first year computer science student, told news.com.au. “People don’t really think too hard about what they’re posting and how it might affect someone. It’s very dangerous how people could just make stuff up and destroy people’s lives.” Image credits: news.com.au

Legal

Outpouring of support for baby girl after Bondi tragedy

The heart-wrenching events that unfolded during Saturday's Bondi massacre shook not just Sydney, but all of Australia. Amid the sorrow and shock, however, there emerged a glimmer of hope and solidarity as Australians united to support the victims, particularly a nine-month-old baby girl named Harriet, who became a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy. Harriet, the daughter of Ashlee Good, tragically lost her mother in the Bondi Westfield shopping centre attack perpetrated by Joel Cauchi. Ashlee, described by friends and family as a radiant presence, lost her life while heroically protecting her beloved daughter from the assailant's violence. The infant, Harriet, sustained stab wounds and was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Thankfully, she has since been stabilised and moved out of ICU, but remains under close medical care. In response to this harrowing ordeal, the Australian community swiftly rallied together, demonstrating an outpouring of compassion and generosity. Within a mere three days, a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/Ash-Good" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe campaign</a> surpassed its initial goal of $100,000 by raising over $535,000 for Harriet's support. The fundraiser, initiated to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Harriet and her father, Dan, garnered support from both loved ones and strangers alike, reflecting the nation's collective grief and determination to provide solace in any way possible. The sentiments expressed within the fundraiser encapsulated the profound loss felt by those who knew Ashlee and the unwavering commitment she had to her family. "Our hearts were broken beyond comprehension as we learned of the tragic loss of our beautiful friend, Ash, in the stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon," it reads. "Ash was a ray of sunshine and positivity in every aspect of her life and died a hero saving her little girl from the most unspeakable evil. "We have been overwhelmed by requests from loved ones and strangers wanting to support Dan and Harriet as they face life without their beloved Ash. Being a mother to baby Harriet and partner to Dan was Ash’s whole life. Her love and commitment to them was evident to all who knew her. We are united in our devastation that her bright future was cut short in this way. Her beautiful and warm spirit, drive and energy inspired us all." Ashlee's radiant spirit, her boundless love for her daughter and partner, and her selfless act of sacrifice resonated deeply with all who encountered her. The profound impact of the Bondi massacre extended beyond the immediate victims, as the entire nation mourned the loss of innocent lives and grappled with the senseless violence that shattered a community. The victims, including Yixuan Cheng, Pikria Darchia, Dawn Singleton, Faraz Tahir, Jade Young, and Ashlee Good, were remembered not just as statistics but as individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. The makeshift memorial at Bondi Junction served as a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity, adorned with an abundance of flowers and heartfelt messages from those touched by the tragedy. Friends and family of Ashlee Good gathered at the memorial, finding solace in the outpouring of support from their community. As the healing process begins, the ongoing support for Harriet and her family serves as a testament to the strength of community bonds and unwavering compassion. Images: Nine News

Caring

Prime Minister's extraordinary offer for "Bollard Man"

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made an extraordinary offer to the hero dubbed "Bollard Man", who confronted Joel Cauchi on his rampage through Bondi Junction Westfield. Damien Guerot, a French national, was inside the eastern suburbs shopping centre when Cauchi began his stabbing spree which resulted in six lives lost. In CCTV footage of the terrifying incident that has made the rounds online, Mr Guerot could be seen fending off the knifeman with the use of a bollard he’d picked up off the ground. It’s understood he was preventing the attacker from reaching an area where dozens of children had been playing. He was immediately hailed as a hero on social media, where he became known as “Bollard Man”. As the community continues to reel from the incident, Mr Albanese thanked Guerot for his "extraordinary bravery" and encouraged him to become an Australian citizen. “I say this to Damien Guerot, who is dealing with his visa application, that you are welcome here,” he said. “You are welcome to stay for as long as you like, this is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen.” The prime minister said the actions of bystanders like Mr Guerot during the horrific Bondi Junction attack showed “the best of human character”. “It says a lot about the nature of humanity at a time when we are facing difficult issues, that someone who is not a citizen of this country stood bravely at the top of those escalators and stopped this perpetrator from getting onto another floor and potentially inflicting further carnage on citizens,” he said. Mr Guerot told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/terrifying-moment-man-confronts-attacker-with-bollard-in-bondi-junction-shopping-centre-massacre-c-14307019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a> how he stared into Cauchi’s “empty eyes” as he confronted the killer. “We just saw him coming ... we were thinking, ‘We need to try to stop him’,” he said. Image credits: 7News

Legal

Sydneysiders witnessed horrific scenes on Saturday. How do you process and recover from such an event?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kim-felmingham-9075">Kim Felmingham</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Like many, I watched the reports of the violent attack at Bondi Junction yesterday with shock, horror and disbelief. My heart goes out to the people involved, the courageous first responders and to those who have lost loved ones in this tragic event. I also feel for those who witnessed the horror and will be working out how to get through the initial shock and, over time, put it behind them. Distress and strong emotional reactions are <a href="https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/the-psychological-and-psychiatric-effects-of-terrorism-lessons-fr">common</a> after these types of mass violent events. But different people will have <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/mass_violence_help.asp">different emotional reactions</a> – and some may experience a range of shifting emotions. <h2>The first few days and weeks</h2> In the days and weeks after traumatic events like these, people <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/isitptsd/common_reactions.asp#:%7E:text=All%20kinds%20of%20trauma%20create,stop%20thinking%20about%20what%20happened.">often experience</a> a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306457320308670">range of emotions</a>: from fear and anxiety, anger, sadness and grief, disbelief and numbness, guilt and worry about safety. They may be jittery, more irritable or on edge, or it may affect their sleep. For many, their sense of risk may be heightened, particularly as such random violence occurred during such an ordinary event – shopping on a Saturday afternoon. This <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/mass_violence_help.asp">can lead to</a> a heightened awareness of danger and concern for safety. <h2>What’s likely to happen over time?</h2> For most people, as they begin to process and make sense of what happened, these feelings will gradually reduce in intensity and people will begin to recover. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25311288/">Research shows</a> the majority of people recover from mass violent events within the initial few months. However, for people with more direct exposure to the trauma, these events and reactions may be more difficult to process. Some people <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26084284/">may go on</a> to develop mental health difficulties, most commonly anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understandably, those <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26084284/">more at risk</a> are people who were present during the trauma and experienced a direct threat, as well as those who witnessed the violence or aftermath, first responders (paramedics and police) and those who had loved ones injured or lost during the event. People who had more intense emotional responses during the trauma, or previous psychological difficulties or traumatic experiences, may also be <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26084284/">at greater risk</a>. <h2>What helps – and hinders – your recovery?</h2> To help process these traumatic events and promote recovery, social support is <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/mass_violence_help.asp">particularly important</a>. Spending time with trusted family and friends can help people process the events and their emotional reactions. Talking about your feelings with supportive people can help you understand and accept them. But even if you don’t want to talk about your feelings, spending time with loved ones is helpful. It is also fine to need some time to be alone, but try not to isolate yourself or withdraw. If you can’t talk about your feelings, try not to bottle them up or deal with them by using alcohol or drugs. Find <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7957853/">another way to express them</a> – whether through writing, art or music, or exercise. Give yourself permission and time to feel these emotions. Remind yourself you have just been through something extremely traumatic, take things day by day, and don’t expect too much of yourself. Try not to judge yourself for your actions or how you are coping. Keep some structure in your day, setting small goals, and increase your self-care: eat well, rest (even if you can’t sleep well), try yoga or relaxation. When you’re ready, try to get back to your normal routine. Seek out information from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7957853/">trusted sources</a>, but try to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0886260517742915">avoid</a> being saturated by images or stories about the trauma, particularly graphic footage or speculation common on social media. <h2>What if children have witnessed it, too?</h2> If your children have been impacted, reassure them that they are safe and loved. When they are ready, talk to them gently about the trauma, acknowledge it and answer their questions. Encourage them to express their feelings and spend more time together doing family activities. Importantly, try to limit their exposure to graphic footage and images of the events in the media, and on social media. <h2>When to seek mental health care</h2> Reach out for professional mental health support if you experience ongoing difficulty with your emotional reactions, or if you’re having distressing memories of the trauma, difficulty sleeping or nightmares, or you want to avoid things that remind you of the traumatic event. Not everyone requires professional mental health support, but if you are experiencing these types of post-traumatic stress reactions a few weeks after the trauma, it’s important to speak to your GP to seek out professional support from psychologists or counselling services. If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/227867/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kim-felmingham-9075">Kim Felmingham</a>, Chair of Clinical Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sydneysiders-witnessed-horrific-scenes-on-saturday-how-do-you-process-and-recover-from-such-an-event-227867">original article</a>.

Caring

"Incredibly relieving" update on baby injured in Bondi stabbing

The youngest victim of the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stabbing spree</a> at Bondi Junction Westfield is in a stable condition after her mother, Ashlee Good, 38, died protecting her. The nine-month-old underwent emergency surgery to save her life after being stabbed and on Monday morning NSW Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed that her condition has improved from critical to serious but stable. “I speak on behalf of the entire nation who held its breath over the weekend that (the) young nine month old girl who went to Sydney Children’s Hospital is now in a serious, stable condition,” he told 2GB. “So she’s come down from critical. “There is a chance over the course of the next day that she’ll be moved on to a ward. Now that is incredibly relieving, I think, for our country." Her mother, was among was among the six people killed by Joel Cauchi, 40, during the attack. After they had been attacked, Good thrust her young bub into the arms of a bystander. A man and his brother helped take care of the baby until help arrived. "The mum got stabbed and... came over with the baby and threw it at me and [I] was holding the baby," the man told Nine News at the time. The man's brother told the publication: "He helped with holding the baby and trying to compress the baby and same with the mother. "We just kept yelling out to get some clothes, get some shirts and just help us to compress and stop the baby from bleeding. "With my brother holding the baby so well and really compressing, I think the baby's fine." Good was the daughter of former Australian Football League player Kerry Good, who played for North Melbourne. On Sunday, her family shared a statement thanking everyone for their support and paid tribute to the two men who "cared for our baby when Ashlee could not". “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," they said. Good has been <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/royals-issue-heartfelt-statement-after-bondi-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remembered</a> as "a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human." According to the NSW health minister, the condition of the eight victims who remain in hospital varied from critical to stable. Image: news.com.au/ Sydney Morning Herald

Caring

"Just doing her job": Hero cop Amy Scott breaks silence after Bondi stabbing

The hero police officer who shot Joel Cauchi after his killing spree has spoken out after the devastating incident. NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott was confronted by the knife-wielding 40-year-old after he had fatally stabbed six people and injured several others at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses of the incident recall hearing the officer shout for Cauchi to "put it down" before the knifeman charged at her, prompting her to fire her weapon and shoot him dead. “Amy is content with what she had to do," Police Association of NSW boss Kevin Morton said. “I spoke to her last night and again this morning and she said, ‘It was a night with not a lot of sleep’.” Mr Morton said the officer, who he has known personally for years, was playing down the praise she had received after being dubbed a "hero" for her actions. “She knows she has been tagged a hero but to her she was doing her job. I didn’t ask her about the exact incident, because she is yet to be formally interviewed,” he said. “Everyone will be keeping an eye on her obviously, there will be a lot of support from everyone,’’ he said She also drew praise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, as well as NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. “She showed enormous courage and bravery,” Ms Webb said. Witnesses backed up the officer's actions at the shopping centre, as Bondi man Jason Dixon witnessed Inspector Scott's response firsthand. “All she said was ‘Put it down’. Just once. Then she shot him in the chest and he went down,” Mr Dixon told The Sunday Telegraph. “Then when he fell on the ground she was giving him CPR,” Mr Dixon said. “She had to shoot him, because he just kept coming,” Mr Dixon said. “He had a knife and he wasn’t going to stop. “He was advancing at her and he was running, coming to get someone else,” Mr Dixon said. “She shot him once in the heart or the chest,” he said. “I’m glad she got him, because if she didn’t he would have stabbed her too.” Inspector Scott will be formally interviewed by police later this week as part of the major investigation into the stabbing. Image credits: news.com.au / X (Twitter) <div class="media image side-by-side" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 1209.375px; max-width: 100%; font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;"> </div>

Caring

Royals issue heartfelt statement after Bondi attack

The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a heartfelt message to the victims and survivors of the deadly <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stabbing attack</a> at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. William and Kate took to Instagram to share the statement, after six people were killed and 12 others injured following the violent attack. "We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today," the royals wrote on Saturday. "Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others." Tributes have also poured in for the other victims, who were tragically killed in the attack. Dawn Singleton, 25, was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/i-am-so-heartbroken-tributes-flow-for-bride-to-be-stabbing-victim" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planning her wedding </a>at the time of the stabbing, and was shopping for make-up before she was tragically killed by Joel Cauchi. “Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech, but instead I sit here sobbing,” her friend Jade O’Connor wrote on Facebook. “This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life — I’m so heartbroken and (I) can’t believe this reality.” Ashlee Good, 38, died protecting her baby girl from Cauchi, after passing her injured 9-month-old to bystanders. Her family have said that they were "reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human and so much more". Faraz Tahir, 30, a security guard working at the shopping centre, reportedly started his first day shift at the centre on the day that he was murdered. “It’s very tragic news — this is something which you don’t expect at all,” his friend Adnan Qadir told Sunrise. “It is hard for me to fathom he was with me 72 hours before the tragedy and then we lost him in such circumstances.” “He was a great guy — he keeps other people’s interests ahead of his own. “Had a lot of ambition for his future ... Just settling into his new country. “He was looking forward to a stable career, to make a family up here. It is just sad how it all ended up," Qadir said. Images: Getty/ Instagram

Caring

"I am so heartbroken": Tributes flow for bride-to-be stabbing victim

Family and friends of Dawn Singleton are in mourning after the 25-year-old was one of the six people stabbed to death by Joel Cauchi in Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday. The 25-year-old was planning her wedding at the time of the stabbing, and was in the shopping centre looking for wedding makeup. Dawn, daughter of Aussie millionaire businessman John Singleton, had purchased her wedding dress just days before her life was tragically cut short. “Dawn, I should be writing your wedding speech, but instead I sit here sobbing,” Friend Jade O’Connor wrote on Facebook. “This year you were meant to get married to the love of your life — I’m so heartbroken and (I) can’t believe this reality.” Friend Emmi Shannon told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/heartbreaking-detail-emerges-after-john-singletons-daughter-dawn-singleton-named-as-bondi-junction-westfield-stabbing-victim-c-14313870" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>, “She was just the most perfect human being that I’ve ever met. She’s so sweet, so humble, so down to earth.” Dawn was engaged to her high school sweetheart Ashley Wildey, a police officer who had reportedly been on the scene at the shopping centre, attending the scene after finishing another shift. "He had arrived at Westfield when officers realised his fiancée was one of the victims," a source told The Daily Telegraph. Mr Wildey was then allowed to leave the scene to be comforted by family and friends, as is procedure. Singleton worked at White Fox Boutique, with colleagues saying they were “devastated” by her death. “We are all truly devastated by this loss,” the company said on social media. “Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing." “We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.” Dawn was one of six women killed by Joel Cauchi in the callous attack, which left several others injured. Cauchi's victims included Pikria Darchia, 55, Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; and Yixuan Cheng, 25. A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s nine-month old baby girl. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Kyle Sandilands' family member among first victims stabbed in Bondi

Kyle Sandilands became emotional as he described how his wife’s relative Yvonne Wineberg was one of the first women targeted during the terrifying stabbing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attack</a> at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. Speaking to co-host Jackie “O” Henderson and newsreader Brooklyn Ross, on The Kyle & Jackie O show Monday morning, Sandilands revealed: “One of the first women to get stabbed in the shoulder was a family member of ours. “She’s a very close family member to my wife. “So, we were watching it on TV, and saw one of our families were involved and carted off to hospital.” He also said that a Bondi lifeguard, who was trapped in Myer during the incident after the store had pulled down their shutters to keep shoppers safe, had asked to be let out so he could help Wineberg. “He could see our family member that got stabbed laying on the ground. There was so much blood. “He said, ‘if I don’t get to her, she’s losing too much blood’, so they let him out, and he rendered assistance before the paramedics arrived.” Sandilands didn't name the lifeguard, but shared the horrors the lifeguard witnessed during the attack. “He said every 50 foot there was another person laying in a pile of blood — all the way down the mall,” the KIIS FM star said. Wineberg was released from hospital on Sunday afternoon. NSW Police identified Joel Cauchi as the killer on Sunday. He was fatally shot just minutes after he left six dead and 12 injured during the terrifying attack at the shopping centre on Saturday night. Cauchi's parents have <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoken out</a> and expressed their devastation and disbelief at their son's actions, describing the attack as "truly horrific". They also said that they "have no issues with the police officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.” Cauchi's victims included Pikria Darchia, 55, Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; and Yixuan Cheng, 25. A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s nine-month old baby girl. Images: 7NEWS

Caring

Family of Bondi killer break silence

The devastating events that unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction have left a community in shock and mourning, grappling with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence. Joel Cauchi's frenzied stabbing attack claimed the lives of six innocent people, leaving many others injured and traumatised. Now, amidst the grief and confusion, Cauchi's family has stepped forward to offer their perspective on the tragic incident. In a statement conveyed through Queensland police, Andrew and Michele Cauchi, parents of the assailant, expressed profound sorrow and disbelief at their son's actions, describing the events as "truly horrific". “We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday,” they said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time. “Joel’s actions were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager. “We are in contact with both the NSW Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the police officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.” Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe of the Queensland Police provided additional insights into Joel's circumstances leading up to the attack. He disclosed that Joel had been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17 and had received treatment for mental health issues in the past. However, in recent years, his condition had worsened, casting a shadow over his family's attempts to understand and support him. The revelation that Joel had been sleeping in a vehicle or at a backpacker hostel prior to the attack underscores the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness and homelessness. Despite sporadic communication with his family, Joel's isolation and distress seemed to have deepened in the days preceding the tragic incident. In the wake of the attack, the Cauchi family exhibited a remarkable level of cooperation with law enforcement agencies, expressing concern for the welfare of Inspector Amy Scott, who was compelled to use lethal force against Joel Cauchi. Their willingness to engage with authorities and convey their condolences to the victims' families highlights their recognition of the gravity of the situation and their desire for understanding and healing amidst the tragedy as the community mourns this unbearable loss. Cauchi' victims included Pikria Darchia, a 55-year-old artist and designer; osteopath Ashlee Good, 38; security guard Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25 – the daughter of Australian multi-millionaire advertising guru John Singleton; architect Jade Young, 47; and student Yixuan Cheng, 25. A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s infant child. Images: Nine News

Caring

Zimmerman founder sets new price record for Bondi home

Simone Zimmerman has set a new home price record for Bondi, and she didn't even need to take out a mortgage. The fashion guru and founder of Zimmermann has splurged $30 million for her four-bedroom, three-bathroom home just moments away from the iconic Bondi Beach. “This ocean front executive residence is tucked away in a quiet street only moments to the iconic Bondi Beach and all it has to offer,” the listing for the beachside home read. According to property records, the home - which is located just behind the popular Bondi to Bronte walk - last sold for $5.75m in June 2008. The fashion mogul is reported to have bypassed local real estate agents, purchasing the home directly from a local investor. No major changes have been made to the home since, but prior to Zimmerman's purchase it was being rented out at $4,400 per week. According to PropTrack the median house price for Bondi is around $3.75m, which went up by 4.7 per cent over the past year. The stunning home features 4 double bedrooms, all with large built-in wardrobes and a separate study perfect for the business-woman. It also has a gourmet kitchen with a stainless-steel benchtop and large open dining room. The lounge room opens onto a large deck with beautiful ocean views and plenty of natural lighting. This comes after the luxury womenswear label sold a majority stake in its company to private equity investors in August last year. Sisters Simone and Nicky Zimmerman are founders of the brand, which initially began as a stall in Sydney’s Paddington market, before the sisters opened their first local shop in Darlinghurst. It now operates across 58 global destinations in the USA, UK, Europe and China, with the sisters now having an estimated net worth of around $1bn each. Images: Realestate.com.au

Money & Banking

Pink spotted at Bondi ahead of national tour

In a dazzling spectacle of beach vibes and sun-soaked fun, pop sensation Pink has graced the shores of Bondi Beach ahead of her highly anticipated Australian tour. The iconic singer, known for her powerhouse performances and unapologetic personality, was spotted basking in the Aussie sun with her adorable children, making waves Down Under. The excitement was palpable as Pink, with her trademark pink hair, took to social media to express her joy at being back on Australian soil. "Bondi Beach, it's been too long!!!!!!! Bills was delicious, too. ️Soooooooo happy to be back on this side of the world! Thank you beautiful Australia for being our home away from home. Kids are stoked," she gushed alongside some envy-inducing beach pictures. It seems Bills, a popular eatery in Sydney, left quite the impression on the star. If Pink says it's delicious, it's practically a culinary endorsement for the ages. (Move over food critics; Pink's tastebuds have spoken.) But this isn't Pink's first love letter to the Land Down Under. The singer has long expressed her admiration for Australia and has been a staunch supporter during challenging times. In 2020, she pledged a generous $500,000 donation to the country's fire services during the devastating Black Summer bushfires, proving she not only rocks the stage but also has a heart of gold. As Pink gears up for her stadium tour in Australia, aptly named the Summer Carnival tour, fans are eagerly anticipating a spectacle that will undoubtedly leave them smiling and singing until their cheeks hurt. Kicking off at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on February 9, the tour will then take Pink and her musical carnival to various cities, including Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. It's been nearly six years since Pink's 2018 tour, Beautiful Trauma, which wowed almost 560,000 Australian and New Zealand fans. Eager to share the joy once again, Pink expressed her excitement, saying, "I can't wait to bring the Summer Carnival tour to my home away from home and smile and sing together until our cheeks hurt. Summer 2024 can't come soon enough!" The tour is not just a celebration of Pink's electrifying stage presence but also a nod to her ninth album, Trustfall, released in February the previous year. The anticipation is building, and fans can't wait to witness the magic unfold live on stage. Adding a touch of whimsy to the excitement, Pink <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/my-home-away-from-home-pink-s-dream-down-under" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teased the possibility</a> of making Australia her permanent home last year. In an interview with 60 Minutes, she revealed, "Last year, I was thinking about applying for citizenship; I am not even joking. I was like, 'If we're going somewhere Carey, [Australia] is where we're going'." Australia, get ready to welcome Pink with open arms – she might just become our newest citizen! So, as Pink readies to paint Australia with her musical colours and contagious energy, fans are counting down the days until the Summer Carnival kicks off, promising a tour de force that will linger in their memories long after the final note fades away. Bondi Beach, Bills, and a Summer Carnival – it's a Pink party, and everyone's invited. Images: Instagram

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"Never again": Bondi stabbing victim’s mother shares heartbreaking plea

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