With 28 Australians believed to have been killed on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, details of the death toll from the states and territories and names of victims have begun to emerge.
The foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, revised the previous toll of 27 on Friday afternoon.
Nine are believed to be from Queensland, nine from Victoria, seven from Western Australia, one from the ACT and one from New South Wales. It was not known where the 28th person was from.
The Victorian premier, Denis Napthine, said flags of government buildings would be flown at half-mast for the duration of the Aids 2014 conference. He expressed his sympathy for the families, friends and loved ones of all of the victims.
"The Victorian government will provide any assistance and support possible to the affected families," he said.
The Queensland premier, Campbell Newman, was close to tears as he confirmed the number of victims from his state on Friday afternoon.
Newman said it was hard not to get emotional over the tragedy.
"Today, as far as I'm concerned, is about families, friends and communities of Queensland that are affected," he said.
It has been revealed the premier's daughters both recently travelled on the same path taken by the stricken jet, one flying over just 18 hours before the tragedy.
The WA premier, Colin Barnett, said reports indicating the plane was shot down by terrorists were “incomprehensible”.
And the NSW premier, Mike Baird, has confirmed one person from the state was on the flight.
There will be a national day of mourning to coincide with a national commemorative service once families of all victims have been notified, the prime minister, Tony Abbott announced.
All 298 people on board are were killed.
Former prime minister Julia Gillard used Twitter to express her condolences to victims and their families.
“Heartbreaking news on the shooting down of MH17,” she wrote. “My condolences to the many bereaved families here at home and worldwide.”
The University of Melbourne released a statement to say it was shocked and saddened by the loss of one of its former students, Elaine Teoh.
“Ms Teoh graduated from the University of Melbourne with a bachelor of commerce in 2008,” a statement from the university said. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
The university was also distressed that researchers and colleagues in the field of HIV and Aids were on board the flight, some of who were colleagues of staff, the statement said.
A Ballarat Football Netball League club committee member and his wife who were on the flight were described as “fantastic, generous people”.
Albert and Marie Rizk, from Sunbury in Victoria, had been on a holiday in Europe and were on their way home, Hume City councillor and friend of the couple Jack Ogilvie said.
Rizk was a committee member of the Sunbury Football Club and director of a local real estate agency, he said, and had lived in the community for two decades.
“Marie used to help out at the canteen on game days, and they were both very generous sponsors of the football club,” Ogilvie, who is vice president of the football club, said.
“I reckon I’ve known Albert for 15 or 20 years. He was the kind of person who always just wanted to buy you a beer and he was always around the social club.
“They were just generous, lovely people, well known in the community.”
The couple have a son and a daughter, both in their 20s.
“Everyone is just in shock,” Ogilvie said.
The Ballarat Football Netball League released a statement expressing its condolences to the family.
South of Perth Yacht Club said it was acting on behalf of the family of Perth man Nick Norris and his three grandchildren, who were listed on the flight manifest.
"Commodore Paul Ward and general manager David Harries advise they are awaiting confirmation from Dfat regarding further information in relation to the tragic incident of Malaysian Airline flight MH17," a club statement said.
"[The club] are acting on behalf of the Norris family and ask for respect and privacy for the family throughout this difficult time."
The principal of a school in east Sydney wrote to parents to tell them that one of its teachers was one of the 28 Australian victims.
Hilary Johnston-Croke, principal of the exclusive Catholic school Kincoppal-Rose Bay, said Sister Philomene Tiernan, a nun who she described as her mentor, was onboard the flight.
"We are devastated by the loss of such a wonderfully kind, wise and compassionate woman who was greatly loved by us all," Johnston-Croke wrote.
"This has come as an enormous shock to me and our school community as I am sure it will to all of you."
Years 3 to 12 students from the school were informed of her death on Friday with a group of the children performing a liturgy for their teacher.
Toorak College in Melbourne released a statement confirming the death of one of its teachers, Frankie Davison – who it described as "much-loved" – and her husband, Liam.
"Our hearts and sympathy go out to their children Milly and Sam, and family," the college said in a statement.
"We are devastated by the news of this tragedy.
"Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with Frankie’s family and friends."