About 100 people gathered at St Matthew’s Church yesterday for a solemn memorial service.

Attendees remembered the 298 people, including 38 Australians, who died in the tragedy.

Candles were lit and wreaths laid for the victims, followed by a minute of silence.

Father Peter Macleod-Miller said people had gathered in the spirit of hope and positivity.

“We’re not being united by fear,” he said.

“We don’t gather in fear, we gather in hope.

“I think it’s hope that unites us, rather than fear.”

Messages from Prime Minister Tony Abbott, member for Farrer Sussan Ley and member for Albury Greg Aplin were read out at the service.

Father Macleod-Miller said the turnout, which included local school students, had been terrific.

“I think it’s great to see Albury stopping for a minute and just valuing life, valuing opportunity and standing in solidarity,” he said.

“It’s terrific to see the involvement of the children who are thinking about the world in which they’re growing up.

“They know about all these threats and all this unhappiness.

“At the same time, it’s not threats and unhappiness which will have the last word, it’s us standing in solidarity with people we love.”

The multi-faith service ran for about 45 minutes.

Father Macleod-Miller said while people had different backgrounds and religions, they were standing united.