Lindt Cafe remembers its Sydney victims

Two plaques dedicated to cafe manager Tori Johnson and barrister Katrina Dawson have been erected inside the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place.

The Lindt Cafe at Martin Place

Sydney's Lindt Cafe is again serving coffee after the December siege, which left two hostages dead. (AAP)

The Lindt Cafe at Martin Place has served its first coffee since the December siege, which left two innocent Sydneysiders dead.

The doors officially reopened at 10am - around the time gunman Man Haron Monis ordered them shut on December 15.

Just inside those doors now sit two plaques dedicated to cafe manager Tori Johnson and barrister Katrina Dawson, who lost their lives after being held captive for 16 hours.

"Forever In Our Hearts" reads the plaque to Mr Johnson, which is adorned with a sunflower.

"An Inspiration" reads the dedication to Ms Dawson, alongside a tree to symbolise the foundation that now bears her name.
AAP
(AAP)
AAP
(AAP)
Premier Mike Baird earlier entered the cafe to chat with staff, including Joel Herat, one of several staff members to survive the siege.

"I said to him that the city is very proud of him, and proud of him being able to be strong in spite of what he went through," Mr Baird told reporters outside the cafe.

Mr Herat said there was no question that he'd be at the reopening.

"I made it a point to be here, absolutely. I would say that I made sure everything was not going to get in the way," he told the ABC.

Mr Baird said the city continued to mourn for the siege victims, but described the reopening as an important symbol of moving forward.

"It's a difficult day, but in many respects a hopeful day," he said.

"The city was tested, it was challenged, but today is a strong reminder that we march forward."

The sentiment was echoed by the hundreds of Sydneysiders who turned up to pay their respects and get a coffee.

"You've got to show support. You've got to come here united," said Praveen Swarup, who was first in line before the doors opened.

"This is the best way to overcome an incident like what we had."

Former Lindt employee Karen Cox said she was "very shaky" as she waited outside.

"Walking through the line like everyone else, I just felt a whole heap of warmth," she said.

"It looks really wonderful, really bright."
Lindt cafe
Staff pose for a photo ahead of the re-opening of the Lindt Cafe at Martin Place, Sydney, Friday, March. 20, 2015 (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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