The heritage of the little ones, who died on December 19, will be honoured at their funeral on January 10.

But the achievements and personalities of the four girls and four boys, aged between two-years-old and 14 will also be celebrated, with thousands of people coming together to remember, mourn and farewell.

The families of the Keriba Omasker have opened the doors to their private event to a public they wanted to thank for their support and love.

But they have requested their children be referred to in a language of their ancestors, a Meriam Mir Erub dialect, and their images not broadcast, out of respect for Torres Strait Island and Australian South Sea Islander culture.

The ceremony, which will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre, will run for two hours from 10am, before a procession heads through the city streets towards the Martyn Street cemetary, where they will be laid together.

They will pass the place where the Keriba Omasker lost their lives, a place which is to be made into a park, a place of remembrance and healing.

It is a time for the Keriba Omasker and their loved ones, a time to remember, reflect and honour their lives, not the manner in which they have died.

The families know the world learned of their tragedy and the reason it became so personal.  They have asked for that not to be referred to, as the legal system begins its slow march to justice.

They released a statement, through NITV News, which will pool footage for the media, asking for the public to respect that legal process when using social media.

The family and Cairns community would also like to ensure that helplines are made available as much as possible for the public.

If you feel like you need to talk, contact Lifeline - 13 11 14, Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or 1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732