One year on from the terror of the Lindt Cafe siege, Sydney's Martin Place will become a focus for hope, remembrance and unity on Tuesday with a public service for its victims and survivors.
The families of siege victims Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson will join siege survivors and members of the public at the site of the tragedy in a twilight ceremony.
NSW Premier Mike Baird said the understated event would remember victims and survivors and recognise the incredible response of Sydney and the broader Australian community to the terrible events of December 15 and 16, 2014.
In the days after the siege, Martin Place was blanketed in bouquets of flowers that were left by thousands of people in a spontaneous outpouring of grief and respect.
Images of that huge floral tribute and some of the thousands of messages left by mourners and well-wishers will feature in light projections onto the now refurbished and reopened Lindt Cafe building over five nights.
A permanent memorial for the siege victims and survivors - hundreds of illuminated glass boxes holding flowers and set into granite paving - will be established outside the Lindt Cafe at a later date.
Mr Johnson's mother, Rosie Connellan, has said the community-wide outpouring of support and love has kept her going as the tragic anniversary approaches.
Ms Connellan told the Seven Network the reaction of thousands of people after the siege that led to Martin Place being carpeted with flowers was something Australia must remember.
"I'm speechless with finding words to say how proud I am of him," Ms Connellan said of her son.
"I can be strong when I need to be strong ... just hold my head up high for him."
Mr Baird said the kindness of the thousands of people who left flowers and cards in the days after the siege was incredible.
"To those that want to bring hate, we're going to respond in love, we're going to respond in peace," he said.
All members of the public are invited to attend the Martin Place ceremony or view the light projections over the following nights.
The ceremony will begin at 8.15pm AEDT in Martin Place, between Phillip and Elizabeth Streets.
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