Mourners lay wreaths and pause to remember lives lost in 1978 Hilton Hotel bombings

It was Australia's first domestic terrorist attack, killing three people and injuring a dozen.

Now on the 40th anniversary of the Hilton Hotel bombings; victims, their families and the many people affected came together to pay their respects.

Many laid wreaths of flowers as well as pausing to remember each life lost on Monday February 13th, 1978.

At 12.42am City of Sydney council workers Alex Carter and William Favell were killed instantly when the bomb detonated on George Street.

Cassandra was just seven-years-old when her father, William Favell, was killed by the explosion.

Her husband, Mic Gunning, today spoke to Nine News and said "for my wife and the three girls, we've lost a father, grandfather and father in law. He just went to work one day like I do and was expected to come home and never came back."

Constable Paul Burmistriw was guarding the Hilton Hotel during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

He was hit by shrapnel and later died in hospital, today he was posthumously awarded two medals for his service.

Senior Constable Terry Griffiths was injured during the blast and said, "it's wonderful to see such a response like this when it happened so many years ago, the bond is still stronger than ever. I'm finding it a bit difficult today."

Two men connected to the Ananda Marga Sect were charged over the bombing.

It was alleged they were targeting India's Prime Minister during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Timothy Anderson was later cleared while Even Pederick confessed to placing the bomb in the bin. But theories still remain.

Senior Constable Terry Griffiths said, "the people who know who did the bombing should come forward." 

It's a sentiment echoed by others especially the families of the victims.

Mick Gunning said, "going to bed at night putting your head on the pillow with a peaceful mind. I believe everyone needs to have that."