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Just after 9am they came, in a united show of grief that rang out across Murray Street, Manoora.
About 100 members of the Cairns Torres Strait community walked en masse to the Manoora park, adjacent to the home in which eight children were slain sometime on Thursday night or Friday morning.
One man, believed to be the father of the youngest victims was inconsolable, his grief so physically debilitating he was unable to walk without assistance.
"My babies. My babies," he wailed as he cried out their names.
A woman, equally distraught, yelled to the heavens.
"My grandchildren, oh my grandchildren," she cried.
The crowd stayed for about 10 minutes before walking back up Murray Street, physically leaving the horror of number 34 behind them.
About 100 metres along Murray Street, at a small community centre, the Salvation Army organised a memorial service.
The small hall was filled to capacity, as hymns were sung and prayers offered.
People in distress can telephone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
