Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who were so prematurely taken from them in the tragedy at Martin Place yesterday.
Our thoughts and sympathy are also with all of the victims dealing with the injuries, shock and trauma of their experience.
All of Sydney is heavy hearted, having seen the desecration of the treasure that is life, right in the heart of our city.
Perhaps it's impossible for any country to avoid such mindless violence, but it will not stop Australians from celebrating all that is good in life and focusing on freedom, democracy and harmony. As Martin Luther King Jr said "Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that" #illridewithyou