Family and Friends Hold Memorial for Jade Young, Victim of Bondi Massacre

On Tuesday, family and friends gathered at Bondi and the Sydney Botanic Gardens to remember Jade Young, a 48-year-old building designer who was one of the six victims of the tragic Bondi Junction massacre on April 13. The memorial service celebrated the life of a devoted mother whose death has left a "gaping hole" in the lives of her loved ones.

Jade's mother, Elizabeth, spoke at the service, describing her daughter as a "glorious, loving, soft-hearted, hard-working daughter." She expressed the profound impact of Jade's loss, saying, "Our lives have been fractured. There will be no 'back to normal.'" Elizabeth also called for change, urging the government to invest more in mental health treatment to make the world safer and expressing her hope to never again read the words "tragic" or "tragedy" associated with the perpetrator of her daughter's murder.

Jade's workplace, Georgina Wilson Associates, paid tribute to her as well, remembering her as a "beautiful, kind and warm soul" who was an integral part of their family. The outpouring of community support has been overwhelming for the family in the wake of this heartbreaking loss.

Why this matters: The Bondi Junction massacre has deeply affected the local community and highlighted the ongoing need for improved mental health resources and support. As families and friends mourn the loss of their loved ones, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching impact of such senseless acts of violence.

Meanwhile, the family of Faraz Tahir, a 30-year-old security guard who heroically lost his life while defending others during the attack, has arrived in Sydney from Pakistan. Tragically, Tahir's 31st birthday would have been on the day his family viewed his body. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia remembered Tahir as a "cherished member" and a "dedicated security guard" who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the public. Tahir's funeral is set to take place on Friday.

Key Takeaways

• Jade Young, 48, was one of 6 victims in Bondi Junction massacre on April 13.
• Jade's mother Elizabeth described her as "glorious, loving" and called for mental health reform.
• Jade's workplace remembered her as a "beautiful, kind and warm soul".
• Faraz Tahir, 30, a security guard, heroically lost his life defending others in the attack.
• Tahir's family arrived in Sydney for his funeral on what would have been his 31st birthday.