Hundreds of Australians have gathered around the country to show support for France following the deadly attacks that rocked Paris and left nearly 130 people dead.
On Friday evening six separate attacks took place across Paris in what the French president, François Hollande, described as an “act of war”. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
There has been an outpouring of global support for Parisians, as French authorities continue to try to make sense of events and determine how the attacks were planned.
Australia’s prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, said on Saturday Australians stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Paris.
On Saturday Australians gathered in Martin Place in Sydney and held a vigil to show solidarity with those affected by the extraordinary attacks.
About 15 minutes into the vigil at Martin Place those present sung the French national anthem pic.twitter.com/zsWftizP4Z
— Ben Grubb (@bengrubb) November 14, 2015
The Opera House was lit up in blue, white and red to show Australia’s support for France. The state premier, Mike Baird, also requested the French flag fly over the harbour bridge.
“Turns out, there isn’t one in the country that is big enough. So, if we can’t source one, we are going to make one,” he said.
“We mourn with you, and we stand with you, Paris.”
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. #PrayForParis pic.twitter.com/C7EHAy9Efm
— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) November 14, 2015
A prayer vigil is scheduled to take place on Sunday afternoon in Sydney at St Andrew’s Cathedral.
In Melbourne famous landmarks – including the National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne town hall – were bathed in the colours of the French flag. The Melbourne Cricket Ground lit up the stands in the colours of the flag. Candles and flowers were also placed at the French consulate in Melbourne.
Well played, @MCG #Paris #PrayForParis 🇫🇷 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/zJm8yxAE9P
— Clint Stanaway (@cstanaway) November 14, 2015
At least two Australians are believed to have been in close proximity to the attacks. The Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman confirmed Tasmanian woman Emma Grace Parkinson was among the injured, and was being treated at a hospital in Paris.
The prime minister also said he had spoken with Parkinson over the phone and her mother was en route to Paris.
The ABC reported Melbourne woman Sophie Doran was attending the Bataclan concert hall. Her father Michael Doran said she and her friend hid under chairs to avoid being found by the gunmen.
A further memorial service will take place on Monday at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.
