Sydney woman Kobie Thatcher is slammed for her ‘disgusting’ take on remembrance day for Westfield Bondi Junction massacre victims

A Sydney commentator has been slammed for accusing Westfield Bondi Junction of ‘virtue signalling’ by holding a day of reflection to commemorate those killed in last weekend’s stabbing rampage.

Five female shoppers and one male security guard were killed by Joel Cauchi, 40, during his stabbing spree on Saturday before he was shot dead by a police officer.

The shopping centre was closed for four days before re-opening on Thursday for people to visit and pay their respects to the dead and injured, and shops were given the option of resuming business from Friday.

Westfield operator Scentre Group’s Chief executive Elliott Rusanow said the day of reflection was intended to help people feel comfortable returning to the site.

But conservative commentator Kobie Thatcher lashed the move as woke ‘virtue signalling’ and said those affected by the tragedy have ‘had days to mourn’.

‘Bondi Junction will reopen tomorrow for a ‘Community Reflection Day’,’ Ms Thatcher wrote in a post on social media.

‘No retail trade. What kind of woke nonsense is this?

‘Surely the last few days when the shopping centre was closed and people were leaving flowers were enough time for reflection.

‘Let businesses reopen.’

The post received plenty of blowback, with former Lord Mayor of Sydney Lucy Turnbull saying it had nothing to do with wokeness. 

‘Nope. It is respectful and empathetic, Ms Turnbull said.

Another called on Ms Thatcher to ‘have some compassion’ for those affected.

‘You weren’t there. You weren’t directly affected by what happened,’ another added.

‘Let those who were there decide what is the best method to deal with the trauma that they faced on the day.’

Further commenters also defended the day of reflection:  

‘Is it letting businesses reopen or forcing workers to return to a massacre site when they’re still concerned for their health and well-being?’

‘So, Kobie, business is more important than the loss of innocent human lives and some time to mourn for them.’

‘No idea my grandson was there missed it by 5 mins as is struggling with feeling safe. A family member was in lockdown there. Imagine how those who were there are feeling.’

‘Imagine being mad that people’s being murdered inconveniences your shopping.’

‘A nice touch to let families go and grieve before reopening to the public and having people walk back through like nothing ever happened.’

‘She is disgraceful.’

‘Apparently empathy and human emotion is woke these days.’

‘It’s never “woke” to pay respect to innocent people who unfairly lost their lives. It’s basic human decency.’

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Thatcher for comment.   

Retail tenants will have their rent from last Saturday to this Friday waived, the Scentre Group has confirmed.

Stores are welcome to open for trading on Friday with shoppers to expect an increased police and security presence. 

Mental health support and counselling services will also be available. 

A candlelight vigil at nearby Bondi Beach will be held on Sunday evening, with a minute’s silence to honour victims.