Victims of the Bondi massacre, first responders and community members will be honoured with an on-field tribute watched over by heavily-armed police at the final Ashes Test in Sydney.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Uniformed and mounted police along with public order and riot squad officers will patrol the sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground match from Sunday.
The heightened security operation comes three weeks after two gunmen killed 15 people and injured dozens more at a Hanukkah celebration just two suburbs away, at Bondi Beach.
The on-field tribute will include a guard of honour and round of applause recognising the efforts and service of emergency response agencies and community members.
"The incredible acts of bravery ... at the scene of the Bondi attack were a reminder of the spirit of community and self-sacrifice that unites us as a nation," Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
"Our thoughts remain with those effected by this devastating tragedy and as a sport we will continue to provide what support we can."
Police say the arming of officers with long-arm rifles is to reassure the public but insist there is no threat to the community heading to the SCG.
"Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events but our objective here is to help the public feel safe and police will be out in force," Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
"The difference will be in the visibility of long-arms and a stronger presence. Police will otherwise be targeting antisocial and unsafe behaviour as usual."
The measures mirror those for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG where specialist police were armed with semi-automatic rifles and patrolled the busy stadium, a nearby park and railway hub.
Seven people remain in Sydney hospitals following the December 14 Bondi attack. Six remain in stable condition, while one is critical but stable.
Accused mass killer Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 charges over the shootings including 15 counts of murder. He was shot by police at the scene and spent days in a coma before being charged.
His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene.
Australian Associated Press
