HUNDREDS of south-west residents are expected to add their sympathy for friends and families of MH17 airline disaster victims with pages of an official condolence book arriving in the region yesterday.
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The pages are available at local council offices, libraries and state MPs’ offices for about a week as part of state government recognition for the 18 Victorian residents who were among 298 people who died when the Malaysian airliner was hit by a missile last week over Ukraine.
Warrnambool mayor Michael Neoh was among the first to add his signature and comments. “It is a tragedy the community has deep feelings about,” he said.
Meanwhile, Christ Church Anglican church rector Father Scott Lowrey was moved by the response to a vigil service on Tuesday when about 70 people turned out.
Deacon Mathew Crane led prayers and provided opportunity for silent reflection.
“People are feeling a sense of shock and sadness that innocent lives have been taken in such circumstances,” Father Lowrey said. “There’s a deep sense of compassion and prayers from right around the country.
“There’s a good number of people with Dutch heritage in our community and people from Malaysian background attended the service also.”
A memorial service will be held today in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne.