solemn

I did another night shift last night. But it was no ordinary night shift. It was the night Sydney was where the world was looking whilst a man with a gun locked the doors of the Martin Place Lindt cafe & held an unknown number of hostages for what turned out to be 16hrs. 

We were watching the live feed overnight between patient care - and happened to be watching at the moment the police stormed in. It looked more like a nightclub of flashing lights than it did a siege (flash bombs & guns firing), followed by a rush of paramedic movement....but no one was leaving under the guard of heavy police guard.

The details of all the events are still sketchy - we know 3 people died (including the gunman) & a number people were injured.

But masts; like this one on the local naval base, are holding flags at half staff. In vexillology it is a way to express distress or to show respect in grief.

Today is also the start of #illridewithyou - a gesture that has taken on a worldwide push to stop the growing divide amongst communities because of a few extremists that use terror against those who don't have their beliefs.