A mother who died protecting her baby from a knifeman at a Sydney shopping mall on Saturday was an “excellent human being”, her family said.
Witnesses said Ashley Good, 38, immediately handed the injured girl over to bystanders.
“The mother was stabbed… she came with the baby and threw it at me. [I] She was holding a baby,'' one man told Nine News.
According to the family, the 9-month-old child underwent surgery and is growing normally.
Just after 3pm local time on Saturday, Joel Couch, 40, attacked shoppers with a large knife, causing panic and causing the crowd to run for the exits.
The attack killed five women and one man and injured several others. He was shot dead by a lone police officer who was hailed as a “hero.”
Police said the attack was most likely “mental health related” to Mr Couch, who had mental health issues.
Ms Good's family said in a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of Ashley, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend and all-around great human being.”
They also thanked the medical team at Sydney Children's Hospital, the police and the two men who “cared for Ashley when she was unable to do so”.
“We appreciate the wishes and thoughts of all Australians who have expressed their outpouring of love for Ashley and our baby girl,” the family said in a statement on Sunday.
Her former employers said they were “deeply saddened by the terrible news” of the stabbing.
Danny du Preez and Coby du Preez of massage therapy business Muscle Medicine said: “Ash is a beautiful person who worked with us for a short period of time. I send my love and thoughts to his family and pray for his soul.” [her baby’s] recovery. “
The man who took the baby from Ms Goode told Nine News the baby was in “pretty bad shape” at the time. “There was a lot of blood on the floor. I hope the baby is okay.”
The man's brother “helped hold and compress the baby, and so did the mother.
“We bought clothes, shirts and kept screaming for help to stop the baby’s bleeding by putting pressure on his stomach.
“My brother held the baby well and put a lot of pressure on it, so I think the baby will be okay.''
The man added: “We were shopping and saw a man running up to a woman with a baby and we both thought we would help.”
“But I just said to my brother, 'We have to run,' and I ran in and told the men to close the door. And then the mother came in with the baby, who was bleeding… We… I took them to the store and that was it.''Once I got them safe, I called for help.'' ”
Ms Goode was the daughter of former Australian Football League player Kelly Goode, who played for North Melbourne. During her game on Sunday, her club wore her black armband in memory of her, and her club's coach, Alastair Clarkson, spoke to her before her match, fighting back tears.
“This is devastating for our club, especially for the Good family,” he told Fox Sports.
“It's so sad. Ash and that beautiful girl…she doesn't have a mother. Our hearts are breaking.”
Another victim of the attack has been named as Faraz Tahir, a security guard who died “trying to protect the community.”
Locals said the 30-year-old man had fled to Australia from Pakistan just a year ago.
In a statement, Australia's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community expressed its “deep sadness” over the attack.
The newspaper said Tahir was “a valued member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life in the line of duty to the nation in this attack.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz's family and loved ones during this difficult time, and all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.” .
Scentre Group, which operates Westfield Shopping Center in Australia, said Tahir was fatally injured while trying to protect the community during the tragedy.
“We are shocked by Faraz's passing and recognize the courage of our team members and their role as first responders,” the statement said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those grieving the loss of a loved one.
“Our thoughts and concerns are also with the families and carers of those injured in the attack, and the everyday heroes whose actions prevented further loss of life.”
Another security guard was also injured and is currently hospitalized.
Locally, 25-year-old Dawn Singleton has also been named as a victim of the stabbing.
She works at clothing retailer White Fox Boutique, which paid tribute to her on Instagram.
“We are all truly devastated by this loss.” She said: “Dawn was a kind and kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was truly wonderful.
“We extend our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.”
NSW Police also identified architects Jade Young, 47, and Pikulia Dalchia, 55, as victims of the attack.