Mallgoers requested to refrain from asking employees about tragedy that saw 6 people killed
As the Westfield Bondi Junction mall welcomed back shoppers and staff under a cloud of sombre reflection, authorities and union representatives stressed the importance of sensitivity to avoid further traumatising workers. The reopening follows a tragic stabbing spree that resulted in six deaths and at least 12 injured.
The mall, a popular shopping destination near Bondi Beach, had been closed for a “community reflection day” to honour the victims and provide a space for collective mourning. On Friday, as stores began to reopen, the emphasis was on careful and considerate engagement with retail staff, many of whom were returning to the site of trauma for the first time.
Bernie Smith, from the NSW retail union, highlighted the day’s emotional weight.
“It's going to be a pretty confronting day for many people,” Smith told ABC News. He warned the public against asking employees to recount the harrowing events of the attack.
“Our members need to be able to quietly and gently get back to work,” he stated, urging shoppers to acknowledge the tragedy respectfully without delving into painful details.
In recognition of the challenges faced by the workers, the union has been working with retailers and the government to ensure that workers will be paid their full salary despite stores being closed last week. Smith said large companies, including Woolworths, Coles, David Jones, Myer, Apple, and Kmart, have taken up the costs, pledging to pay their workers their full salary. Additionally, some smaller retailers have applied rent relief measures toward supporting their employees financially during the closure.
The mall’s operator, Scentre Group, has also waived rent for all retail tenants from the time of the attack until the end of the week, further easing the burden on businesses affected by the closure and the aftermath of the attack.
Coogee MP Dr. Marjorie O’Neill praised the management of Westfield’s centre for their handling of the reopening. She said staging the reopening over two days was both sensitive and respectful.
“The community reflection day yesterday, some shops reopening today — this is all a really important part of our healing process as a community,” the MP told ABC News. “All of this stuff has been done in the best way possible in what is a very horrific and sad incident.”
As the community begins to find its way back to normalcy, the focus remains on healing and support, with ongoing counselling services available for those affected and a planned candlelight vigil to honour the victims. The path to recovery is marked by a communal effort to respect the grief and resilience of those impacted by the tragedy.
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