We gather today to mourn the joy Faraz Tahir should have known.
We grieve for the long and happy life he should have had the chance to make here in Australia.
The birthday he should have celebrated on Wednesday – and for many years to come.
We imagine the great success that a person of his drive and determination would have achieved and the profound contribution that someone of his boundless generosity, deep faith and powerful community spirit would have made.
We mourn for all the possibilities stolen from him.
And we grieve also for what was taken from us: his family and friends, his proud community and our nation as a whole.
In doing so, we honour all that he was, all that he meant and all that he gave.
Because Faraz Tahir’s life in Australia was defined by giving back.
Every tribute paid by those closest to him, has touched on the sense of obligation he felt to the nation that had given him refuge and the community that had embraced him.
His kindness uplifted all those it touched – and it inspired all those who witnessed it.
It is so fitting that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are helping honour Faraz Tahir’s life with a blood drive.
A vital contribution that one person makes to the life of another, without expectation of recognition or reward.
You don’t know who you are helping, you only know that you are helping.
Faraz Tahir gave everything to help others: his time, his energy, his optimism and dedication, his heart and his soul.
And on that devastating Saturday afternoon at Bondi Junction, he gave his life.
Running toward danger, to protect people he had never even met.
Without doubt, he helped save lives that day.
Without question, Faraz Tahir died a hero.
And he will be remembered as a hero - in the history of this hard time and in all our hearts.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, I offer our deepest sympathies to all of you who knew Faraz Tahir best and loved him the most.
Faraz Tahir counted himself lucky to have come to Australia.
In truth Australia was lucky to have him.
He was grateful to Australia.
Today, as our nation remembers his bravery and honours his life.
We affirm that Australia will always be grateful to Faraz Tahir.
May he rest in eternal peace.