Shoppers urged to be sensitive as Bondi Westfield reopens

Bondi Junction solemn as doors re-open after stabbing attack

Shoppers are being urged to be sensitive to Bondi Junction Westfield retail workers after Joel Cauchi’s stabbing rampage, as the shopping centre reopens today.

The shopping centre has remained closed since Cauchi, 40, embarked on his attack last Saturday afternoon, killing six people.

Police closed the crime scene there early this week but operators Scentre Group opted to hold off the resumption of trading.

Westfield at Bondi Junction will re-open for trading today.

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis told 2GB’s Ben Fordham that retail workers were serving hundreds of people so it was important to remember to be kind, gentle and compassionate.

“I don’t want to hear that these workers are being asked many times to relive their trauma,” Cotsis said.

“There will be workers who are on shift… and they won’t be able to go back to work.

“I want to say to those workers that there is support… they will be able to access workers’ compensation for the trauma that they have suffered.”

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Flowers and tributes have piled up outside, including a wreath laid by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and flowers and a message from opposition leader Peter Dutton.

The centre opened yesterday for a “day of reflection”, with members of the public allowed inside to pay their respects, but no shops were open and the digital advertising screens showed only black ribbons as a mark of mourning.

Today, though, as Sydney resumes its normal pace, normal trading hours will resume from 9.30am to 6pm.

Some stores may remain closed by choice.

“Since the tragedy last Saturday, our priority has been engaging with the victims’ families, those directly impacted and the community on how to respond,” Scentre Group CEO Elliott Rusanow said yesterday.

“We have been engaging directly with our business partners throughout this period to support them, including providing counselling and mental health support.”

There will be an increased security presence on-site, including extra police, while security guards will be given stab-proof vests.

The centre will also remain quiet, with no loud music and no advertising, at least for today.

Scentre Group announced yesterday it would waive the past week’s rent for all tenants of the shopping centre.

Retail workers can contact SafeWork NSW for assistance on 13 10 50 or online here.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.