Harriette Denny, 30, was a one of the hostages who ran from the cafe in the early hours of Tuesday.
Ms Denny had worked at the chocolate store for about a year, Fairfax Media reports.
Her father Robert Denny was forced to watch Monday’s tragic events from his home on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast – he couldn’t believe it when he saw her run free.
Yesterday, Mr Denny, who runs a café on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, spoke to Fairfax about the first time he spoke to his daughter after her horrible experience.
“I spoke very briefly with Harriette this morning, just asking after her welfare,” he said.
“We didn’t speak about her ordeal. We just wanted to know she was safe and unharmed. She said that she’s safe and well and in a good place, but terribly upset that she’s lost her manager and friend [Tori Johnson].”
Mr Denny and his wife Catalina were extremley distressed about their daughter’s welfare.
Ms Denny returned to Martin Place this morning to pay her respects. She was joined by her fiancé Jorge Bonora and the pair placed flowers on the wall that now surrounds the Lindt café.
Her fiancé spoke on Harriette’s behalf, telling reporters: “They [the hostages] are not going well, it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
“The loss of everything, the whole situation was uncalled for,” he said.
Jorge Bonora and Harriette
Bonora went on to pay his respects to Tori Johnson: “Tori, I wish I knew him better. I used to drop Harriette off sometimes and come and get a chocolate.
“He was a good leader, everyone loved him.”
Born in the Phillipines, Harriette, who is the third of six children, was raised in the Queensland town of Warwrick before moving to the Sunshine Coast with her family.
After graduating from Sunshine Coast University with a degree in International Business Denny moved to Sydney with her fiancee for work.
Want to know more about the hostages of the Sydney Siege? Read these…
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“Guys, I love each and every one of you,” she wrote as she waited to learn her fate.
Top Comments
This ride-with-you hashtag has gone beyond its literal meaning and has also become a metaphor for reaching out to others who may feel unsafe.
So let's be vocal about caring for every Aussie on this and other sites.
The fact that nasty comments, spitting etc is often aimed at women and children is something I have seen in past years.
Surely it doesn't matter what political persuasion we are many of us would speak up about the harassment of innocent folk… even if it's just recording verbal abuse of the elderly, bus-drivers and those of different backgrounds.
As for focussing so heavily on this lunatic's faith why don't we do the same with other recent cases of abduction and hostage taking. White family men, with smouldering grudges and a lust to punish partners, top that infamous gang.
Encouraging peace and safety for all Australians should be our priority... as seen by the flowers and cards at Martin Place, smiles at strangers and hugs for those who are upset.
...Cheers
Harriet - you had time to go to Martin Place and didn't have time to talk meaningfully with your parents? Harriette - I know trauma can lead to strange reactions, but please look after your folks. There were other reports from your poor dad not having heard from you, and they are pretty distressing to hear about. If there's been a rift - it's a time for healing!
I think that in a situation like this the victims needs have to be respected. If she is not ready to talk about what has happened then people need to understand that.
People deal with grief and stress and trauma in their own way and no-one can tell them otherwise
everyone loves a know it all
Going to a place to come to terms with a traumatic event and talking to someone about it are two completely different things and are not about time. I was in the Boxing Day tsunami and it can take a long time to talk to rope about these things. Harriet is the victim here and doesn't need to feel guilty about not talking about her feelings with those around her. They need to be understanding and go at her pace not the other way around.