Westfield boss thanks loyal customers as crowd numbers bounce back after deadly stabbing spree
Memories of the deadly stabbing spree that saw six people killed in a Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction last month haven't kept shoppers away, with the owners revealing visitor numbers have remained steady since re-opening.
Joel Cauchi, 40, fatally stabbed six people and wounded a dozen more at the Westfield, including a nine-month-old baby, during his rampage on the afternoon of Saturday, April 13.
Cauchi was shot dead in the shopping centre by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.
READ MORE: The $1150 weekly cost this Aussie couple can't avoid
Members of the public pay their respects at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre during a day of reflection. Dion Georgopoulos - Pool/Getty Images
Scentre Group, which operates 42 Westfield locations, issued a statement today saying they continued to extend their condolences and support to the loved ones and families of the victims.
"We continue to provide support, both financial and non-financial, to the victims' families as well as the victims injured during this attack," CEO Elliott Rusanow said.
"I thank the Westfield Bondi and broader Scentre Group team, together with our security and cleaning teams, for their tireless efforts during this very difficult time."
READ MORE: Mexican man faces court after deaths of Australian brothers
Rusanow also thanked the centre's customers.
"Following a Community Reflection Day on 18 April, Westfield Bondi re-opened for trade on 19 April," he said.
"Counselling and support services continue to be available to our people, customers and business partners.
"We are grateful for the support of our customers with visitation in the last week to Westfield Bondi at similar levels to the same time in 2023."
He confirmed Scentre Group was increasing security at all its Westfields.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, celebrity and sport via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
‘Unimaginable loss’: Two children killed in horror crash on the way home from school
Talia and Ebony were physically abused by their mother. Then she was made into a TV star
Blanche d’Alpuget, writer and widow of Bob Hawke, dies aged 82
Justine lost her brother suddenly. Then an unexpected email arrived