Political leaders have joined relatives and friends of those who died onboard flight MH17 at a multifaith memorial service at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral.
The memorial was held on a national day of mourning for those who died when the Malaysian Airlines plane was shot down over Ukraine on July 17th.
There were 38 Australians among the 298 people who died. Melbourne was chosen to host the service because 16 of the Australians killed were from Victoria.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott expressed solidarity for the loved ones of those onboard the doomed flight. "When those we love are snatched away, nothing can ease the pain," Mr Abbott said.
"We who have not been bereaved, must reach out to those who have and show by our love, that love has not abandoned them."
Federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten told mourners Australia shared their sorrow.
He said the memorial was not about why, or how, the disaster happened, but about those left behind.
"Some will call it closure, some will call it acceptance, some will call it letting go. Whatever it is, it will take a while," he said.
The Cathedral was packed with mourners as Australian flags flew at half-mast around the country to honour the dead.
The Ambassador to the Netherlands, the High Commissioner for Malaysia, community and religious leaders joined relatives and political leaders were at the multi-denominational service.
There were readings from the Torah, the Koran and the Bible. Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart said Australians have shown great compassion.
"The horror of this barbaric act is worthy of strong condemnation and has unleashed cries of pain and anguish from families and friends of victims' nations and their peoples alike," he said.
Attorney-General Peter Cosgrove said the service honoured the lives of the dead in the midst of unrelenting grief.
"Today as a nation we demonstrate to the world, how highly we value life," he said.
"How we come together to look after our own and how we afford the departed the honour and the respect that they are due."
Search suspended due to security concerns
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said a deteriorating security in eastern Ukraine meant the mission could no longer operate safely.
So far, 228 coffins with human remains have been flown to The Netherlands, which suffered the most casualties in the crash.
Former Australian defence force chief Angus Houston, who is coordinating the Australian response to the disaster, said the teams on the ground had achieved much of what they set out to do.
"When search and security conditions improve, we will conduct a final inspection to ensure that we have recovered all identifiable remains," he said in a statement.
"We are committed to honouring the victims of flight MH17 and seeking to give their loved ones the closure they deserve."
- With AAP
