Walls of the NGV lit up in support of the Paris terror victims. Photo: Wayne hawkins
Melbourne has lit up red, white and blue tonight in a poignant display of support for the Paris terror attack victims.
Landmarks across the city including the MCG and the Arts Centre spire were bathed in the colours of the French flag as Melburnians paid their respects.
The National Gallery of Victoria, the State Library and Melbourne Town Hall were also lit up to show solidarity.
The new lighting installed at the MCG was used to show Victoria's support for the attacks in France. Photo: Wayne Hawkins
It came as prominent buildings across the world including the Sydney Opera House and the World Trade Centre in New York were illuminated in the colours of the tricolore.
A spokesman for the MCG said the Melbourne Cricket Club's management had made the decision to light up the concrete facade of the stadium at sunset after hearing of the terror attacks.
The Arts Centre spire says we #StandWithParis pic.twitter.com/AD42xAl03U
— Martin Pakula (@MartinPakulaMP)
November 14, 2015
The Sydney Opera House lit up in red, white and blue. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer
"It's a very powerful symbol and just an expression of support given the atrocities in Paris. It's a small gesture but we just wanted to express our support from far away," said Shane Brown, media manager for the MCG.
The new lighting to change the colour of the outside of Melbourne's home of football was only installed six months ago and was designed to allow home teams to display club colours.
The Calgary Tower was lit up with the colors of the French flag to show support and sympathy regarding the Paris attacks. Photo: AP
But Mr Brown said it could also be used to show the city's support during world events such as the French terror attacks.
Much better picture of the MCG #JeSuisParis #JeSuisFrancais #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/KhaXmau04f
— Patrick Mougin (@patrickmougin)
November 14, 2015
One World Trade Centre is illuminated in the colours of the French flag. Photo: Twitter / @Khanoisseur
The @MCG in the tri colour. #PeaceinParis pic.twitter.com/LJOIIyYFot
— Luke Hemer (@lukehemer)
November 14, 2015
#mcg in solidarity with #paris pic.twitter.com/zsgwLL0Wq9
— Al_Davenport (@Trend2signif)
November 14, 2015
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews took to social media to announce that the Arts Centre spire and the National Gallery of Victoria would be lit up in red, white and blue in solidarity with France.
Click for more photos
The world lights up for Paris
Buildings and monuments around the world light up in red, white and blue in solidarity with Paris. Photo: AP
"Victoria's thoughts and prayers are with the French people and everyone caught up in these horrific and cowardly attacks.
"The French values of liberté, égalité, and fraternité have long provided a light to the world and will endure," he said.
The French flag will be flown outside the Premier's office at 1 Treasury Place, while all flags will be flown at half mast at State Parliament.
The Arts Centre spire was bathed in the colours of the French flag. Photo: Wayne Hawkins
Thoughts and prayers are with the French people and everyone caught up in these horrific and cowardly attacks.
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP)
November 14, 2015
On Monday night the French community will hold a vigil in Federation Square to show support and solidarity with Paris.
"We open the vigil to everyone who wants to come and pray for Paris," said organiser Laura Laffitte, who planned a similar vigil in January following the Charlie Hebdo attack.
Ms Laffitte, 42, left France for Melbourne eight years ago but says she still has many family members and friends living in Paris.
On Saturday afternoon, Ms Laffitte spoke emotionally about the terror attacks, describing her shock and sadness at the deaths of so many innocent people.
She said her young cousins had been on the street near the national stadium, the Stade de France, and had heard explosions and screams. She said she was anxious and "very worried" as she had been unable to contact some members of her family.
"It's difficult because I am away from my family and I would like to be there with them."
The French community in Australia condemned the attack, she said.
"We are against terrorism. We want to be free. We are a free country."
Follow Jill on Twitter
