Hundreds of people including Jewish and Muslim leaders, government MPs and French nationals have gathered
at a Sydney church to remember the victims of the Paris terror attacks.
The requiem mass at St Mary's Cathedral is one of several vigils and community gatherings happening around Australia on Monday evening.
The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said the mass would also be dedicated to the victims of the IS-claimed bombings in Beirut and Baghdad last week.
A light tribute was displayed on the cathedral facade after the service.
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In Melbourne, French expatriates, citizens and Victorians were holding a vigil in Federation Square.
Speakers included French consular officials and there was a minute of silence followed by the French and Australian national anthems.
Laura Laffitte, a Parisian who has been in Melbourne for eight years, said she heard about the attacks on Saturday morning but had to wait until 11pm for news of her family.
"I was very scared but everyone in my family is safe. I am still waiting to hear from some friends," she told AAP on Monday.
Ms Laffitte said the French community in Melbourne was finding it difficult being so far from their families.
"We feel useless being so far away. We can't just fly back and support our family as we should and we have the time difference as well, which makes it very difficult," she said.
Ms Laffitte said people were very angry and in mourning but the vigil was a chance for them to come together in peace and harmony for their homeland.
People are asked to wear white or black for the vigil.
Brisbane's French community will hold an evening vigil in the city's CBD following the Paris terrorist attacks that have claimed 130 lives.
The vigil was due to take place at King George Square will take place from 6 o'clock tonight.
Additional reporting by SBS
