MH17 memorial service to be held in Melbourne on August 7 - The Australian

The memorial will be held at St Patrick’s cathedral in Melbourne. Source: News Limited

A NATIONAL day of mourning has been declared next Thursday for the victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy, with a multi-faith memorial service planned for St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.

The Prime Minister, speaking on Melbourne radio, said the Victorian capital was selected for the 10.30am service because 16 of the 38 Australian victims were from the state.

Flags on all Government buildings, here and overseas, will be flown at half-mast and the service will be broadcast live.

“It will be a multi-faith service at St Patrick’s Cathedral and I hope many members of the public will attend to support the families of the victims,” Mr Abbott told 3AW.

“It’s going to be here in Melbourne because some 16 of the Australian victims came from Victoria.”

MH17 was expected to continue on to Melbourne after arriving in Kuala Lumpur but was shot down over eastern Ukraine, apparently by Russian-backed rebels, on July 17. The 298 passengers and crew were killed.

Mr Abbott, in a later statement, said: “The service will honour those who have lost their lives and seek to support those who have been bereaved. All Australians mourn the loss of Flight MH17.

“23 million Australians share the sadness of those who mourn.

“We are united in grief and in our determination to ensure that justice is done.”

Those wishing to attend the national memorial service should contact a ceremonial and Protocol Officer on (02) 6271 5991 or (02) 6271 5209 or via email at MemorialService@pmc.gov.au up until 12 noon on Wednesday 6 August 2014.