Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Statement On The Tenth Anniversary Of September 11 Terrorist Attacks

Victor P Taffa

Ten years ago today, Victorians looked on with disbelief and horror as television relayed the first images of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre.

As the tragic events of the day unfolded, our perceptions of our safety and understanding of our place in the world changed forever.

Ten years on, we reflect on the devastation of the attacks, the lives lost and the loved ones left behind to mourn lives cut down and dreams denied.

Two Victorians were among the 2,996 people who lost their lives on September 11 2001.

Peter Gyulavary and Leanne Whiteside were both in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre when it was hit. Mr. Gyulavary was an architect who had lived with his family in the United States for 20 years. Ms. Whiteside had been employed with AON Insurance for only two weeks after leaving her home in Prahran to take up a new job in New York.

The Victorian Coalition Government acknowledges the terrible devastation felt by the global community then and now and joins with the families of those who died to honour those they have lost.

We also remember those who risked their lives to save others and who worked tirelessly during the September 11 attacks to restore public safety.

We have learnt much to make our community safer.

The Coalition Government is committed to building trust and working in partnership with multicultural and faith communities and leaders to prevent terrorism and celebrate the diversity of our community.