Victoria

As it happened: City in mourning after baby boy dies, taking death toll to five

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Love of the people: The mass of flowers placed by the public outside Melbourne GPO in tribute to the victims of the ...
Love of the people: The mass of flowers placed by the public outside Melbourne GPO in tribute to the victims of the Bourke Street tragedy.  Photo: Joe Armao

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Our coverage continues here.

Donations for the immediate families of those killed can be made via the website www.vic.gov.au/bourkestreet.html.

For urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Witnesses and victims requiring support can also call the Victims' Support Helpline on 1800 819 817.

A vigil is being planned from 5.30pm on Monday at Federation Square.

 

Thalia Hakin, 10, was also killed.
Thalia Hakin, 10, was also killed. Photo: Supplied

Security at the venue estimated up to 1000 people attended what had become the first community memorial service for the Bourke Street attack.

Media were not allowed inside the venue, but it is understood Rabbi Daniel Rabin, president of Rabbinical Council of Victoria, addressed the packed service before Hebrew prayers, which were led by some of Thalia's classmates.

He told those gathered that it was a time for everyone to come together and not only pray for those who died but to pray for a speedy recovery for those who were injured, according to one attendee.

Some left the service in tears, including a young girl who was comforted by her mother. 

Federal MP Michael Danby said the service was for all victims as he joined dozens of families and school children at the service, writes Steve Lillebuen.

"We are all deeply shocked and we share the pain with so many people," he said as he walked inside the building.

"It's a service to express our love and concern for all those who were killed or injured, and their families."

State Member for Caulfield David Southwick said he was thinking of 10-year-old Thalia and her injured family, who were still in hospital.

He travelled to the Bourke Street flower memorial earlier today with his wife.

They had dropped off a toy bear.

"Thalia should be playing with that bear, but she's not here - and that's something that we're all going to have to live with for a long time," he said. 

"It's a horrific event. It really is."

Dozens of school-aged children arrived at the hall, along with their parents, for the private prayer service

Members of Melbourne's Jewish community arrive at a prayer ceremony for the Bourke Street Mall victims.
Members of Melbourne's Jewish community arrive at a prayer ceremony for the Bourke Street Mall victims. Photo: Chris Hopkins

People have gathered for a memorial service at Beth Rivkah College in East St Kilda. Ten-year-old victim Thalia Hakin attended the school, however, organisers said the service was in honour of all victims of the Bourke Street tragedy.

Jess Mudie, 22, and Matthew Si, 33, were also identified as victims on Sunday.

A 25-year-old man and a three-month-old baby boy were also killed in the tragedy.

Victims of the Bourke St rampage, Jess Mudie and Matthew Si.
Victims of the Bourke St rampage, Jess Mudie and Matthew Si. 

An expert is saying that one in five witnesses to the Bourke Street rampage can expect to develop a mental health condition, Age reporter Timna Jacks reports.

Professor David Forbes from Melbourne University's Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, said witnesses may experience nightmares, intrusive thoughts or memories, and to feel hyper-vigilant in public, for up to two weeks after the incident.

One in five are expected to develop a conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression, an anxiety disorder or substance abuse problems, Professor Forbes warned.

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The Victoria Police restrictive pursuit policy will again come under a microscope after police tailed alleged killer Dimitrios "Jimmy" Gargasoulas for hours before the Bourke Street rampage.

See Age reporters Tammy Mills and Cameron Houston's report here.

 

 

 

Insurance broking firm Marsh says it was "shocked and saddened" to learn of the death of colleague Jess Mudie. 

"Although with us for just under a year, she had already won the admiration and friendship of those she worked with and had a bright future ahead of her," chief executive officer Scott Leney said in a statement.

"Marsh colleagues across Australia join Jess's loved ones and friends in their grief and mourning. We will be providing all the support we can to her family and colleagues at this sad time."

The two teenagers who struck out with a baseball bat at the alleged culprit of Friday's rampage through Melbourne CBD say they feel guilty they couldn't stop him.

Tavita Mahina, 17, said "I felt bad cos I thought we could have done more".

He and cousin Isaac Tupou, also 17, told 7 News that Dimitrious Gargasoulas was yelling "F--k the world" and giving 'the finger' to the crowd as he did doughnuts in a car at the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

The cousins had been heading to Alexandra Gardens to play baseball after a church gathering when they heard tyres screeching.

"We just had to take action. No one was doing anything. He looked like he was going to hurt people," Mr Tupou said.

Mr Mahina said: "The car came at us, and then I stepped to the side, and swung the bat, and then he came back and chased us, and was coming to get us and chased us off."

Mr Mahina's father, who didn't give his name, told Seven that move was "very dangerous...I said to him, what about if the guy had a gun? He might [have] shot you."

Jess Mudie, 22, victim of the Bourke Street tragedy.

Jess Mudie, 22, victim of the Bourke Street tragedy. Photo: Supplied

Victoria Police have released statements and photos on behalf of the relatives of Jess Mudie and Matthew Si, two of the victims of the Bourke Street tragedy.

The family of Ms Mudie, 22, called her their "most badass daughter and sister", praised her devotion to her loved ones, her sense of humour and her headstrong nature. 

They quoted Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice: "There is a stubbornness about me that can never bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me." 

In the statement, Ms Mudie's family said they thanked people for their condolences "but would appreciate this time together to grieve privately".

They said of Jess: "We love your extravagant humour, the fact that you always laughed at your own jokes and your ridiculous names for everything like 'the guch'." the statement said.

"You are always up to do everything and are such bright bubble of joy. Hydration is key, 'Remember me in the morning' is your cocktail of choice, and your personality ensures that will always be the case.

"You are strong, beautiful, determined, always work hard to get what you want and never shy away from a challenge. You always tell it like it is and if someone wanted the truth you would not be afraid to tell them.

"You are so headstrong and assertive in everything that you do, your love for your family and friends is immense, and you are always there when any one needs support."

 

Matthew Siew Ping, 33, was remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother and son.

Matthew Si, 33, a victim of the Bourke Street tragedy. Photo: Supplied

The statement on behalf of Matthew Si's wife, Melinda, said that Matt, 33, was a devoted husband and a loving father, brother and son.

Matt and Melinda had just finished having lunch together in the city on Friday. They had parted to return to their respective offices when Mr Si was struck down. 

"The family would like to thank everyone who helped Matt at the scene and did their best to save him," Mr Si's wife said.

The statement said the family were shattered and requested that their privacy be respected. "She will not be making any further media statements."

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that the federal government will match the Victorian government's $100,000 contribution to the Bourke Street Fund, reports Age journalist Richard Willingham.

The public can donate to the fund, which was set up to help families whose loved ones died in the tragedy - more details here.

The government will also make sure that contributions to the fund will be tax deductible.

There will be a memorial service for students and parents of Beth Rivkah Ladies College tonight, reports Age reporter Broede Carmody. 
The school community will come together at 7.30pm Sunday to pray and offer their support to the family of 10-year-old student Thalia Hakin, who was killed after she was run down during Friday's Bourke Street Mall rampage. 

The service will be at the school hall at 90 Hotham St, East St Kilda.


 

In the wake of Friday's events in the CBD, the Royal Melbourne Hospital has tweeted a link to a Department of Health and Human Services guide to coping with trauma.

It includes the statement that it is normal to have strong reactions following a distressing or frightening event, but these should begin to reduce after a few weeks. 

It advises people to seek professional help if you don't begin to return to normal after three or four weeks.

 

Victoria's beleaguered mental health system will face scrutiny from a coronial inquiry into the deadly rampage in Melbourne's CBD last week, say Age reporters Cameron Houston and Tammy Mills.

The news comes amid claims the tragedy could have been avoided if Dimitrious Gargasoulas' apparent mental health issues had been treated earlier.

Several prominent psychiatrists have warned that inadequate funding combined with a surge in the number of young people presenting with drug-induced psychosis has placed enormous strain on the system, with many falling through the cracks.

Read the full article here.

 

The wrecked car allegedly involved in Friday's rampage through Melbourne CBD.
The wrecked car allegedly involved in Friday's rampage through Melbourne CBD. Photo: Leigh Henningham

Firefighters who rushed to to help during Friday's Bourke Street crisis placed bouquets at the floral tribute site outside Melbourne GPO on Sunday.

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To summarise the situation regarding the Bourke Street tragedy:

  • Five people are dead after a speeding car charged through pedestrians along Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD on Friday.
  • Among the dead were a three month old baby boy, a girl, 10, two men aged 25 and 33, and a woman, 22. Many more were injured.
  • Police arrested the alleged driver Dimitrious 'Jimmy' Gargasoulas at the scene. He is being treated in hospital for a gunshot wound to the arm and police have yet to interview him.
  • Political leaders including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle visited the floral tribute to the dead outside Melbourne GPO on Sunday.
  • Mr Andrews announced there will be a public vigil at 5.30pm on Monday, January 23. The State government has also contributed $100,000 to launch a community fund, which the public can donate to, to raise money for the relatives of the dead.


The two teenagers who rushed the alleged Bourke Street killer's car with a baseball bat on Friday have come forward to tell their story. 
Soon after the deadly rampage, footage emerged of the teens hitting the car while it was doing doughnuts outside Flinders Street station.
The youths insist they are not heroes, and instead were just trying to help after a snap decision. 
Channel 7 will have more details at 6pm, including why the teenagers were in the CBD with a baseball bat in the first place. Here is Seven reporter Paul Dowsley's tweet:

 

National political leaders visited Bourke Street Mall on Sunday to express their grief and extend help to those who are mourning the Bourke Street tragedy.

The Age state political correspodent Richard Willingham reports that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the crowd that all Australians stood in solidarity with mourners.

Also laying flowers and speaking to reporters and those gathered at the large floral tribute outside Melborune GPO was Federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten. 

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull lays flowers outside Melbourne GPO on Sunday.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull lays flowers outside Melbourne GPO on Sunday. Photo: Joe Armao

This photo by Joe Armao of The Age shows policewoman helping a child place a bouquet among the many floral tributes left outside Melbourne GPO in Bourke Street Mall on Sunday.

 

 

A policewoman and child contribute to floral tributes to the dead outside Melbourne GPO.
A policewoman and child contribute to floral tributes to the dead outside Melbourne GPO. Photo: Joe Armao
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