Premier Jeremy Rockliff has vowed to support a Tasmanian family impacted by the tragic events at the Bondi shopping centre.
Ashlee Good, the daughter of Kerry Good, a prominent businessman from the north-west coast and former VFL player, was among the victims of the incident in Sydney’s east on Saturday.
Good tragically lost her life in the incident and her 9-month-old daughter sustained critical injuries after being stabbed.
She was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery.
Kerry Good founded the Goodstone Group in Ulverstone in 1988, with the business still owning and operating properties from Spreyton to Smithton, providing employment to over 350 Tasmanians.
“Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more,” the Good family said in a statement.
“We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.
“We can report that after hours of surgery yesterday our baby is currently doing well. We are so grateful for the expert care and attention of the medical team at Sydney Children’s Hospital.”
The family also thanked the two men who “held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not”, saying “words cannot express our gratitude”.
“We are struggling to come to terms with what has occurred. We would appreciate peace and privacy while we work through this as a family.”
Premier Rockliff has described the actions taken by the attacker, 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi, as “unimaginable and incomprehensible”.
“Tragically, innocent people have lost their lives, with others seriously injured,” he said.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the Tasmanian family involved. We are supporting them and respecting their privacy at this difficult time.”
Rockliff said Tasmania would provide any and all support necessary to New South Wales as investigations into the incident continue.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those coming to terms with the tragic loss of life and those grieving for loved ones,” he said.
Seven people have been confirmed dead, including Cauchi, following the mass stabbing, while 12 more remain in hospital.
