Anniversary of Martin Place siege

NSW Premier Mike Baird has used the second anniversary of the Martin Place siege to remember the two innocent people who lost their lives, all the other hostages, and their families.

“Thursday 15 December marks two years since the Lindt Café Siege in Martin Place, an event that irrevocably changed the lives of so many,” Mr Baird said.

“For the families of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, the day is a reminder of their terrible loss, and the tragedy of these two lives taken in such a violent way.”

Mr Baird confirmed there will be a public service at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Macquarie Street, Sydney, at 12:30pm on Thursday 15 December.

“I invite anyone who wishes to pay their respects or reflect on that day to attend,” Mr Baird said.

“I urge the people of NSW to continue to embrace those ideals of tolerance and compassion that were so pronounced in the days following the siege.

“I also ask that we respect the privacy of the Dawson and Johnson families at this difficult time.”

Mr Baird said work is continuing on a permanent memorial in Martin Place.

The siege prompted an overwhelming response from the public and, in the days following, more than 110,000 floral tributes were laid in Martin Place.

These tributes were collected and turned into compost, some of which was recently laid in the flowerbeds surrounding the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park.

These floral tributes will also form the basis of a permanent memorial for the victims of the tragic events that took place in the Lindt Café two years ago.

“We will continue to work closely with the designer, Professor Richard Johnson AO, and with Katrina and Tori’s families to finalise the design elements of the memorial,” Mr Baird said.