Family and friends of heroic Sydney siege victim Tori Johnson have gathered for his funeral, joined by some of the hostages who survived the terrible tragedy.
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NSW Premier Mike Baird and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione are among the mourners attending the funeral a week on from the siege at the Lindt cafe in Martin Place where Mr Johnson was killed, along with barrister Katrina Dawson.
The 34-year-old cafe manager’s private funeral is being held at St Stephen’s Uniting Church, about 100 metres from the scene of the tragedy.
Mr Johnson has been hailed as a hero for his attempt to wrestle the weapon away from gunman Man Haron Monis, who took 18 people hostage in the cafe on the morning of December 15 and held them for 17 hours.
Traffic was halted on Macquarie St outside the church as a white hearse bearing Mr Johnson’s coffin arrived for the 11am service.
Siege hostage Joel Herat, who was among those rescued when police stormed the cafe in the early hours of December 16, was among those in attendance.
Other survivors are also believed to be present.Mr Johnson’s father, Ken, will give the eulogy and his partner, Thomas Zinn, will read a tribute.
The huge floral tribute to Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson that has covered much of Martin Place was removed on Tuesday morning, ahead of expected rain.Mr Baird attended a service held in Martin Place with SES and Rural Fire Service volunteers as the work was completed.
A smaller tribute site has been established under a marquee in Martin Place and a bouquet from Mr Johnson’s funeral service will be laid at the new site.
The funeral for Ms Dawson, a 38-year-old mother of three, will be held on Tuesday afternoon. AAP
