In Canberra's early morning cold and fog, an eight-year-old schoolgirl clutched a much-loved soft toy rabbit.
It was a poignant reminder of innocence lost in the Manchester terrorist attack.
Amelia Hough watched on as her father, Manchester-born Jonathan Hough, broke a minute's silence at a memorial service in the grounds of the British High Commission with a rousing rendition of "This is the Place" - Tony Walsh's ode to the northern English city.
The wing commander's daughter is the same age as Saffie Rose Roussos, the youngest victim so far named in the attack which killed 21 others.
Watch: More Manchester bombing victims named
The goosebumps were not down to Canberra's late-autumn weather.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Governor-General Peter Cosgrove were among the dignitaries who paid their condolences.
They heard High Commissioner Menna Rawlings speak of the relentless resilience of the British people as they weep for those lost.
As a mother of teenage daughters, who has attended pop concerts with both in Australia and the UK, the tragedy felt too close for comfort.
"When we see the bright young faces among the 22 victims, we see our own children, or nieces or grandchildren," Mrs Rawlings said.
"When we next go to a pop concert we will remember that night of mayhem in Manchester and hug our kids a little closer."
But music shows must go on, the high commissioner insisted.
"We will not cower, or be cowed or change our way of life because that is what the terrorists want most all," she said.
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Sir Peter said the callous attack on children and families on a carefree night out, was beyond comprehension and the bounds of all humanity.
"We know the people of the United Kingdom will, as they have always done, pass through this moment of evil ... and emerge stronger and more united than ever before," he said.
Mr Turnbull wrote in the condolence book that Australia's resolute solidarity was with the British people as the two nations stood together in freedom's cause.
"Our love and heartfelt sympathy is with the victims and their families," the prime minister said.
Other federal MPs, military commanders and diplomats placed floral bouquets and wreaths at the foot of a marble sculpture in the high commission's garden.
