Sydney woman Kobie Thatcher is slammed for her 'disgusting' take on ... trends now By Olivia Day For Daily Mail Australia Published: 00:05 BST, 19 April 2024 | Updated: 00:08 BST, 19 April 2024 Viewcomments Angry Australians have slammed a Sydney woman after she accused Bondi Junction Westfield of 'virtue signalling' for holding a day of reflection. Five innocent shoppers and one security guard were killed after Joel Cauchi, 40, brandished a 30cm knife and embarked on a stabbing spree on Saturday. Members of the public were invited to walk through the centre while shops were still closed before normal trading hours resumed on Friday. Westfield operator Scentre Group's Chief executive Elliott Rusanow said the day of reflection was intended to help people feel comfortable returning to the site. But conservative commentator Kobie Thatcher lashed the move as woke 'virtue signalling' and said those affected by the tragedy have 'had days to mourn'. 'Bondi Junction will reopen tomorrow for a 'Community Reflection Day',' Ms Thatcher wrote in a post on social media. 'No retail trade. What kind of woke nonsense is this? 'Surely the last few days when the shopping centre was closed and people were leaving flowers were enough time for reflection. 'Let businesses reopen.' Conservative commentator Kobie Thatcher (pictured) lashed Westfields' community day of reflection as 'virtue signalling' in a post on X Australians were quick to defend the day of reflection, including Lucy Turnbull, who said the memorial had nothing to do with wokeness. 'Nope. It is respectful and empathetic, Ms Turnbull said. Another called on Ms Thatcher to 'have some compassion' for those affected. 'You weren't there. You weren't directly affected by what happened,' another added. 'Let those who were there decide what is the best method to deal with the trauma that they faced on the day.' 'Is it letting businesses reopen or forcing workers to return to a massacre site when they're still concerned for their health and well-being?' a second wrote. 'So, Kobie, business is more important than the loss of innocent human lives and some time to mourn for them,' a second wrote. A third shared: 'No idea my grandson was there missed it by 5 mins as is struggling with feeling safe. A family member was in lockdown there. 'Imagine how those who were there are feeling.' Another said: 'Imagine being mad that people's being murdered inconveniences your shopping.' A fourth said: 'A nice touch to let families go and grieve before reopening to the public and having people walk back through like nothing ever happened.' A fifth added: 'She is disgraceful.' Australians were quick to react to her take on the day of reflection, with many advocating for the safety of retail staff at Bondi Junction (pictured, a woman leaves flowers at the memorial) Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Thatcher for comment. Retail tenants will have their rent from last Saturday to this Friday waived, the Scentre Group has confirmed. Stores are welcome to open for trading on Friday with shoppers to expect an increased police and security presence. Mental health support and counselling services will also be available. A candlelight vigil at nearby Bondi Beach will be held on Sunday evening, with a minute's silence to honour victims. Woke CultureSydney Share or comment on this article: Sydney woman Kobie Thatcher is slammed for her 'disgusting' take on remembrance day for Westfield Bondi Junction massacre victims All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility