Tragic stories emerge of MH17 passengers' final moments
"Don't call because we don't know how to talk about it" was all Rin Norris and Anthony Maslin could manage to say to their family in a text message after their world fell apart.
The Western Australian parents found out yesterday in Amsterdam that their three children - Mo, 12, Evie, 10, and Otis, 8 - died along with Ms Norris' father Nick when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crashed.
The Boeing 777 passenger jet carrying a total of 298 passengers and crew, was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it came down in rebel-held territory near Ukraine's border with Russia, killing all on board.
MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was due to connect with another Malaysia Airlines flight scheduled to arrive in Melbourne on Friday night.
Mr Norris and his grandchildren were among seven West Australians and 28 Australian nationals who died when MH17 crashed in rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine after being shot down.
Ms Norris' sister Natalia Gemmell shook with shock and cried with disbelief as she talked yesterday about the tragedy that has devastated her family.
"It's terrifying, absolutely terrifying and it doesn't make any sense," she said after her sister, who is based in Sydney with the Royal Australian Navy, phoned her at 6.15am Friday with the news.
But the 43-year-old wanted to pay tribute to her "amazing" father and her "very clever and very beautiful" nephews and niece.
"I think Evie would have been an incredible artist. I mean she's 10 and she's done this watercolour. And Otis, he loved nature."
Nick Norris, 68, father of four, was a consultant who ran a company called Collaborative Systemic Change, which worked to help organisations and communities, particularly indigenous ones, manage change positively.
"He changed a lot of lives," Mrs Gemmell said.
"He did a lot of good."
"He's just got a very big project working with the Martu people and he was helping to facilitate cultural change and develop the skills of the Martu people in terms of being able to manage change in the community.
In 1996, Mr Norris was instrumental in setting up a program to give indigenous children the capacity to do their homework, which they previously did not have and which was hampering their education.
"That program is now running in 70 schools in Australia," Mrs Gemmell said.
Mrs Gemmell said her father's motto was "do good, have fun, make money".
"He had a lot of fun and he did good around the world," she said.
"I feel incredibly grateful to have had the dad that I had, and to have had those beautiful kids."
Teacher from Arnhem Land killed on MH17
A young homelands teacher working in the remote community of Maningrida in the Northern Territory was returning for the new school term when her Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine.
Emma Bell, aged in her 20s, joined the staff at Maningrida College early last year.
She was spending the school holidays in Europe before boarding MH17 in Amsterdam on Thursday to return to the Northern Territory for the new term beginning next week, News Corp Australia reported.
The community's Facebook page posted a photo of Ms Bell, captioned "a sad, sad day!"
"Oh, my god so it's true," wrote Bernie Rose Wardaguga Nethercott. "Miss you already."
The Lithgow High School graduate's students and colleagues at the school were devastated, News Corp reported, and said the Education Department had spoken to her family.
A public servant and her husband from Palmerston were also on the flight, Chief Minister Adam Giles said on Friday night.
Novelist, teacher among dead
Award-winning novelist Liam Davison and his wife, beloved high school teacher Frankie Davison, are one of four Victorian couples killed in the Malaysia Airlines flight disaster.
The number of Victorians onboard flight MH17 was revised up to 10 by the state government on Friday night.
Among those killed in the crash were small business owners Gerry and Mary Menke, Sunbury real estate agent Albert Rizk and his wife Maree, and Melbourne-based couple Elaine Teoh and Emiel Mahler.
The Burrows, who lost a son and a daughter-in-law on board flight MH370, who have lost further family members, Albert and Maree Rizk, on the Malaysia Airlines MH17 flight shot down over Ukraine.
The Burrows family released a statement on Saturday afternoon, Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew and their families following the tragic incident involving MH17 on Friday July 18.
'The public support and focus should remain with the passengers and their families,' the statement said.
Liam Davison, 56, was an award-winning novelist but also a brilliant teacher who was "universally liked", according to fellow writer Ben Pobjie.
"He was a really great writer in his own right and it was a privilege to be in his classes," Mr Pobjie, who was taught by Mr Davison, told Fairfax Media.
Mr Davison's wife, teacher Francesca "Frankie" Davison, 54, had worked at Toorak College on the Mornington Peninsula for 28 years.
"We are devastated by the news of this tragedy," college principal Helen Carmody said.
"Frankie was a dear friend - warm, generous and kind. She gave so much to Toorak College both personally and professionally."
The Davisons left behind a son and daughter, Ms Carmody said.
Australian flags half-mast for MH17 victims
Australian flags will be flown at half-mast across the country in tribute to the 28 Australians who perished in the Malaysia Airlines disaster.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has instructed all Australian government establishments, here and overseas, to fly Australia's flag at half-mast as a mark of respect to the victims.
One of those victims was much-loved Sydney nun Sister Philomene Tiernan.
She worked for more than 30 years as a teacher and director of boarding at Catholic school Kincoppal-Rose Bay, in Sydney's east.
Hilary Johnston-Croke, who is principal of the eastern Sydney school, has written to parents confirming Sister Philomene as one of the 28 Australian victims of the crash.
"We are devastated by the loss of such a wonderfully kind, wise and compassionate woman who was greatly loved by us all," she wrote.
"This has come as an enormous shock to me and our school community as I am sure it will to all of you."
Mrs Johnston-Croke described Sister Philomene as her mentor.
"Phil was a very much loved staff member and friend," she said.
"She contributed greatly to our community and she touched the lives of all at KRB in such a positive and meaningful way."
Year 3 to Year 12 students from the school were informed of her death on Friday with a group of the children performing a liturgy for their teacher.
Sister Philomene had been attending a retreat in France, Mrs Johnston-Croke said.
Anthony Cleary, director of religious education at the NSW Catholic Education Office, said Sister Philomene will be missed by members of her congregation.
"I have found her to be a woman of tremendous integrity and intelligence," he told AAP.
"She was very insightful, had a great grasp of the pastoral needs of the church."
Australian MH17 death toll revised
Foreign minister Julie Bishop says 28 Australians died in the Malaysia Airlines plane crash over Ukraine, lifting the toll from 27.
Authorities have now confirmed nine passengers were from Victoria, nine from Queensland, seven from Western Australia, one from NSW and one from ACT.
There is no confirmation where the remaining victim was from and authorities have warned the number of Australian casualties could rise.
Others who were permanent residents in Australia but travelling on foreign passports are believed to be among the dead.
Up to 100 delegates headed for an international AIDS conference in Melbourne are also believed to be among the dead.
Obama sends thoughts to Australian families
US President Barack Obama has sent his condolences to the families of Australian victims of the MH17 disaster.
Mr Obama has also paid tribute to AIDS researchers and activists who were bound for an international conference in Melbourne.
The president phoned Prime Minister Tony Abbott to discuss the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight, which crashed in disputed territories in eastern Ukraine.
"The president expressed condolences on behalf of the American people to the Australian families who lost loved ones on board the flight," a statement from the White House said on Saturday.
Here is the breakdown of the Australians on board:
Victoria: 9
Queensland: 9
Western Australia: 7
New South Wales: 1
ACT: 1
Unconfirmed: 1
Here are the Australians feared to have lost their lives so far:
Melbourne
Melbourne real estate agent Albert Rizk and his wife Maree Rizk are understood to have been returning to Australia on the flight, after a month-long holiday in Europe.
"He and his wife Maree were both on the flight," Hume City Councillor Jack Ogilvie told AAP on Friday.
"Last night I was talking to his son, James, and I said when are Albert and Maree coming back?"
"He said they are on the flight and they'll be home tomorrow ... but they just didn't make it."
Mr Ogilvie said the Sunbury community was in shock and he described the couple as "absolutely fantastic people".
The Rizks have lived in Sunbury for more than 20 years and Albert was a director of the local Raine and Horne Real Estate branch.
"We're all pretty shocked in Sunbury, believe me," Mr Ogilvie said.
Mr Ogilvie said the couple were actively involved in the Sunbury Football Club.
"Albert and Maree both loved the club ... Maree worked in the canteen on game day," he said.
"Albert has been on our committee for three years, his son James is one of our A-grade footballers."
The couple have two children.
The company website notes Mr Rizk had spent more than 25 years selling real estate in the region, and he was regarded as one of Raine and Horne's top 10 agents across Australia.
Elaine Teoh, originally from Penany in Malaysia, and boyfriend Emiel Mahler, a Dutch national, were travelling to a wedding on the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight.
The pair, both 27, lived in Melbourne where they worked in the finance sector.
Ms Teoh's employer, IG Australia, has issued a statement saying both she and Mr Mahler - who used to work at the company - were beloved members of their community.
"Our thoughts and prayers are currently with their loved ones," the statement said.
"Both were beloved members of our close IG community and were valued members of our team. We are deeply saddened by this news."
Mr Mahler worked at IG Australia until December when he joined Vanguard Australia.
A spokeswoman for the investment company said news Mr Mahler was among those on the flight was a shock to all.
"We're extremely saddened by Emiel's sudden passing," she told AAP.
"Our thoughts are with Emiel's family and his friends at this time."
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said the tragedy had affected the state "personally and deeply".
"I would again like to express my heartfelt sympathy for the families, friends and loved ones of these victims," Premier Napthine said in a statement.
"The Victorian government will provide any assistance and support possible to the affected families."
Western Australia
Perth man Nick Norris and his three grandchildren were among seven West Australians on the Malaysia Airlines flight.
Mr Norris was a well-known member of the South Perth Yacht Club, according to reports.
His grandchildren were believed to be aged eight, 10 and 12.
The club said it would provide further information later on Friday once it was assured all family members had been informed.
In a statement released at shortly before noon, WA Premier Barnett said he was "horrified and deeply shocked" by the apparent missile attack.
"At this stage reports do seem to indicate that the plane was shot down by terrorists and, if so, this is a truly unspeakable and incomprehensible act," he said.
"On behalf of all West Australians, I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the families of all the victims and, in particular, the West Australian families involved.
Queensland
Howard and Susan Horder from Albany Creek made a last minute decision to see conductor Andre Rieu in the Netherlands.
Howard had joked about flying Malaysia Airlines.
A Toowoomba doctor and his wife were among the 28 Australian victims of the Ukraine plane disaster.
Premier Campbell Newman was close to tears on Friday as he announced that nine Queenslanders were among the dead.
They include Toowoomba Hospital director of pathology Dr Roger Guard and his wife, Jill, a GP in the Darling Downs city.
The pair were reportedly returning to Australia after attending a medical conference and holidaying overseas.
Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio says the loss will be felt throughout the Darling Downs region.
"Dr Guard was one of the best. He was an outstanding doctor and was well known as a great member of the community," Mr Antonio told AAP.
"I'm saddened by the lost of him and his wife and my thoughts go out to their family."
Queensland Health director-general Ian Maynard said Dr Guard was a highly regarded and respected pathologist who had worked for the department since 1970.
"Dr Guard's dedication, professionalism and strength of character meant his colleagues held him in the highest of regard," he said in a statement.
Dr Guard oversaw laboratories in the Warwick, Dalby, Roma, Charleville and Longreach districts. He had also worked in Cairns and assisted the Queensland Coroner.
Howard and Susan Horder from Albany Creek made a last minute decision to see conductor Andre Rieu in the Netherlands.
Howard had joked about flying Malaysia Airlines.
Mr Newman said it was hard not to get emotional when discovering the horror behind the tragedy.
He said the focus now must be on providing support to those who had lost loved ones.
"Today, as far as I'm concerned, is about families, friends and communities of Queensland that are affected," Mr Newman said.
It was revealed the premier's two daughters had recently travelled on the same flight path. One flew over as recently as 18 hours before the disaster in Ukraine.
Brisbane will host the G20 summit in November, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to be one of the world leaders attending.
Mr Newman would not be drawn on whether Mr Putin should be stopped from attending the summit if Russia is discovered to have provided the weapons to rebels that caused the disaster.
ACT
Mother-of-two Liliane Derden, 50, from Hall in Canberra's north, has been identified as being on board.
She worked for the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), which issued a statement this afternoon.
"The CEO and staff of the NHMRC are deeply saddened by the loss of our valued colleague and friend.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends in this difficult time."
The victim's family has requested privacy.
New South Wales
Sister Philomene Tiernan, a teacher at the exclusive Catholic school Kincoppal-Rose Bay, was among those on board.
Delegates to Melbourne AIDS summit on MH17
Also on the flight were a number of delegates bound for an international conference on AIDS, which is set to begin in Melbourne on Sunday.
The International AIDS Society (IAS) said in a statement earlier on Friday: "At this incredibly sad and sensitive time the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy," the IAS said.
On Friday, Australia's National AIDS Trust paid tribute to former International AIDS Society president Joep Lange.
"Reports Joep Lange died in Malaysian plane crash today, with other scientists on way to @AIDS_conference. Desperately sad news," it said on Twitter.
Professor Lange, a Dutch clinical researcher specialising in HIV therapy, was one of a number of delegates who were heading to Melbourne for the 20th annual AIDS Conference, due to begin on Sunday.
Lange served as the International AIDS Society president from 2002 to 2004.
US academic and AIDS activist Gregg Gonsalves tweeted that "Lots of AIDS researchers, activists, officials on downed Malaysia Airlines flight to Melbourne for Intl AIDS Conference", naming one shortly after.
The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) added its commiserations on Facebook.
"Very sad news to hear that many HIV community advocates travelling to#AIDS2014 were aboard the Malaysian Airlines flight shot down this morning. Our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time."
Crew members on board
A list of crew members has also emerged as more names of passengers bound for Australia emerge.
A Malaysian news source released the names of the crew members a short time ago.
They include:
Captain: Wan Amran Bin Wan Hussin (male, 50 years old)
Captain: Eugene Choo Jin Leong (male, 45 years old)
Vice- captain: Ahmad Hakimi Bin Hanapi (male, 29 years old)
Vice- captain: Muhamad Firdaus Bin Abdul Rahim (male, 27 years old)
Dora Shamila Binti Kassim (female, 47 years old)
Lee Hui Pin (female, 42 years old)
Hamfazlin Sham Binti Mohamed Arifin (female, 42 years old)
Azrina Binti Yakob (female, 41 years old)
Chong Yee Pheng (female, 40 years old)
Mastura Binti Mustafa (female, 40 years old)
Nur Shazana Binti Mohamed Salleh (female, 31 years old)
Angeline Premila Rajandaran (female, 30 years old)
Mohd Ghafar Bin Abu Bakar (male, 54 years old)
Shaikh Mohd Noor Bin Mahmood (male, 44 years old)
Sanjid Singh Sandhu (male, 41 years old)
