Eerie silence, tears, embraces: Inside Westfield Bondi Junction for the first time since mass stabbing

Quiet sobs, slight rustling and creaks from a tired escalator reverberate at a quiet Westfield Bondi Junction, where mournful crowds gather to pay tribute to the lives lost in Saturday afternoon's mass stabbing.

It has been five days since Joel Cauchi killed six people, injured a dozen more and left countless more lives changed forever at the once-busy shopping centre.

Today, the centre reopened its doors for a day of reflection for the lives lost: Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Faraz Tahir, Pikria Darchia and Yixuan Cheng.

READ MORE: 'Tougher penalties' wanted for social media platforms after stabbing attacks

Sydneysiders walk slowly, with intention, through the centre, stopping to gaze inside closed stores and share an embrace as they make their way to level four.

There, a site has been designated to leave flowers and sign a condolences book.

A heavy and quiet air hangs over bowed heads with hardly more heard than quiet sobs, the rustling of bouquet wrappings and that creak of a nearby escalator.

The centre is visibly clean. It smells clean too.

It's hard to picture this was the chaotic and bloody scene where shoppers and staff either ran for their lives or bravely confronted the attacker, who had been wielding a knife.

READ MORE: Man falsely identified as Bondi stabber by Seven begins defamation proceedings

Students, workers, police officers, parents and children are gathered around the site on level four to place flowers, share a meaningful silence, hug and shed tears.

Leaders across all faiths are there to provide a comforting ear while Westfield staff stand equipped with tissue boxes.

Dozens of security guards are also back on duty after one of their own, Faraz Tahir, died protecting others and another was injured.

The line to sign the condolences book is long and slow-moving and you understand why when you reach the front.

Lengthy and heartfelt messages in different handwriting and languages are scribbled across the pages, which are quickly filling up.

Walking past Cotton On Kids, in particular, is confronting.

It was here where parents grabbed their children and took shelter inside the store, fleeing from Cauchi.

Inside Chanel, there are flowers laid by staff with a note reading "For Dawnie".

READ MORE: One patient left in intensive care after Sydney stabbing spree

Heading back outside the centre, a pile of bouquets is growing.

It is here Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns laid their own flowers on Sunday. 

One young girl, with handpicked garden flowers wrapped in ribbon, adds her bouquet next to the others.

Walking into a nearby florist, the staff have their head bowed and talk in hushed voices.

One worker tells another to keep the flowers coming from their stockroom.

Mental health staff in hi-vis are gathered to the sides offering support while police officers are in groups and on horses patrolling the streets.

READ MORE: 'Never give in': Opposition leader's note at Westfield memorial

Five days ago, this was a place streaming with emergency services and crowds of grief-stricken shoppers but today this is a quiet place of reflection.

Police are still investigating the stabbing spree while the NSW government has green-lit an $18 million coronial inquest.

Bondi Junction Westfield will officially reopen for trade tomorrow.

If you're struggling, know that help is available 24/7.

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.

Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.

Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.

1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.

13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76.

MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).