Thirty-eight Australian citizens or residents died in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. A total of 298 passengers and crew were on board.
A Catholic nun, a real estate agent, a teacher, a husband-and-wife pair of doctors, a businessman and his three pre-teen grandchildren were just some of the Australian lives cut short.
Read more below about those who lost their lives on board the plane.
Emma Bell, Northern Territory
Emma Bell, a teacher at the Maningrida College in Arnhem Land, was among three Territorians killed in the incident.
Ms Bell's friend Bernard Price says her students will be upset at the news.
"She sort of had an infectious nature that rubbed off on everyone," he said.
"Especially out here, from an education point of view - I'd sort of describe her as one of the very few who actually get it when it comes to Indigenous education."
Ms Bell had been teaching in the Maningrida community for nearly 18 months.
"She's been remote for a few years and is very good at what she does so it's going to be a huge loss," Mr Price said.
"I know they couldn't speak more highly of her out there - and the emotion is still pretty raw so [people are] really upset by the news.
"It's not something you'd expect to happen in the small community of Maningrida."
Nick Norris, Mo Maslin, Evie Maslin and Otis Maslin, WA
The 68-year-old Perth businessman Nick Norris and three of his grandchildren were on the flight's manifest and were understood to be travelling to Western Australia from Amsterdam.
Mr Norris was a long-time member of the South of Perth Yacht club and had worked in remote Aboriginal communities in education.
Mr Norris's 24-year-old son Brack said his father had been accompanying Mo (12) , Evie (10) and Otis (8) Maslin home to Australia.
Their parents had remained in Amsterdam for a few more days but Mr Norris, a father of four, was bringing them home to return to school.
Brack described the situation as "surreal" and thought it was "ridiculous" when a sister called from Sydney to tell him about the crashed plane.
"I couldn't believe it ... I love my dad extraordinarily and they were amazing kids," he said.
The parents of the three children are receiving consular assistance in Amsterdam and are believed to be making their way back to Perth.
Sister Philomene Tiernan, New South Wales
Sister Philomene Tiernan, a Catholic nun from Sydney who was on board flight MH17, has been given a moving farewell by the Catholic school in Sydney's eastern suburbs where she spent 30 years.
Father Tony Doherty, who had known the nun for 30 years, told the congregation the service was a chance to reflect on Sister Philomene's life.
"This morning, we're here fundamentally to grieve," Father Doherty said.
"She was a woman of astonishing grace, great charm, and above all, a gentleness.
"I must say, I found whenever being with Phil that I came away feeling a more expanded person."
In a letter to students, Kincoppal-Rose Bay School principal Hilary Johnston-Croke said the school was devastated by the loss of Sister Philomene, who had been attending a retreat in Joigny in France.
"Phil was a very much-loved staff member and friend," she said.
"We are devastated by the loss of such a wonderfully kind, wise and compassionate woman who was greatly loved by us all."
Father Doherty told the ABC's AM the school community is in mourning.
"I think the first thing that you were struck with was her gentleness and her courtesy," he said.
"Her character was quite an immediate sensitivity to people and who they were, so there's been a wave of grief that's met this tragic news in the last day."
Michael and Carol Clancy, New South Wales
NSW retirees Michael and Carol Clancy, who were on board flight MH17 on a European trip, are being remembered as outstanding local teachers.
The couple aged 57 and 64 were from Kanahooka, south of Wollongong.
Mr Clancy, the former deputy principal of Albion Park Public School, had a passion for teaching disabled children.
His longtime friend and former principal, Jim Cooper, says he suffered chronic arthritis and would teach while enduring extraordinary pain.
"The sad part for us as well is we were all planning to get together with a group of friends tomorrow actually for a birthday party so it's going to be a very sombre affair," he said.
Mrs Clancy was also a teacher and is being remembered for her community work.
Albert and Maree Rizk, Victoria
Albert Rizk, a real estate agent, and his wife Maree were on the final stretch of a European holiday.
The Sunbury pair, who had two children, were heavily involved in the local Sunbury Football Club over the past decade.
The couple have been described by friend Ken Grech as "beautiful" people.
He said the Rizks had called their son James the night before the flight to notify him of a change to their travel plans.
"[They tried to] move it forward because the interconnecting flight was a nine-hour stay so they thought if they could change their flight they would do so, but unfortunately that didn't occur," Mr Grech said.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet that their parents aren't going to walk in the front door at home," he said.
Roger and Jill Guard, Queensland
Pathologist Roger Guard and his wife, GP Dr Jill Guard, were returning from a European holiday on flight MH17.
The couple's son Paul Guard paid tribute to his parents in a statement he sent to the ABC.
"Roger and Jill Guard were loving and devoted parents and grandparents - their family meant everything to them," the statement read.
"We remember them first as the most wonderful parents and grandparents imaginable.
"They were utterly devoted to my sister, brother and I and they loved their two grandchildren dearly.
Mr Guard remembers his father as a "scientist to the core" and says both parents were "deeply generous people".
"Jill was an incredible mother. Not only to her own children, but to the many other relatives and friends who spent time at our home and were treated as extra members of the family," he said.
Howard and Susan Horder, Queensland
Retirees Howard and Susan Horder were on board flight MH17.
The couple's three sons - Matthew, David and Adam - released a statement saying they are devastated by the loss of their parents.
They thanked family members, friends and the public for their support since news of the tragedy broke.
"Howard and Susan touched the hearts of many and will be missed," the statement read.
"They lived a happy life and provided much love and care for all those around them."
Liliane Derden, ACT
A mother of two daughters, Liliane Derden from Hall in Canberra's north, has been identified as being on board flight MH17.
Ms Derden was a public servant who worked with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in Canberra.
She was on her way back from Belgium, where she had been visiting her siblings.
At a memorial service Ms Derden's daughter, Chelsea Gibson, described a mother who was humorous, loyal, resilient, humble and caring, and shared personal insights into her character.
"Her personality was infectious; her bellowing laugh... could brighten any room she walked into," she said.
"If you were lucky enough to delve beneath the surface, you would have been on the receiving end of some hilarious one-liners, or text message that made no sense."
ACT Acting Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the loss was being felt across the Territory.
"It's devastating news for the family and friends of that ACT resident and indeed our sympathies go not only to the families here in the ACT who are impacted, but across Australia and indeed around the world.
"It's a great tragedy and it's certainly hitting home here locally."
Helena Sidelik, Queensland
Helena Sidelik, 56, was returning home to the Gold Coast after a holidaying in Europe before she died in what colleagues have described as an "incomprehensible plane disaster".
Her brother Hans Sidelik says she had been to a wedding in Amsterdam and had spent three weeks holidaying in Greece.
He says his only sister will be greatly missed.
"Very, very funny person, loved life, not afraid to speak up and just enjoyed life," he said.
A statement from colleagues at Vision Personal Training said: "We will truly miss your smiling and infectious personality that we have all become super fond of.
"May your spirit and soul live on within every one of us that you touched, may you be blessed to soar high above the clouds and smile down on us with double scotch and water and may you rest in peace for eternity."
Frankie and Liam Davison, Victoria
Toorak College, at Mount Eliza, has confirmed that teacher Frankie Davison and her husband Liam were travelling on the flight.
Principal Helen Carmody described Mrs Davison as a much-loved teacher, colleague and friend.
"Frankie was an inspirational teacher and the most amazing person," she said.
"She was kind, generous, and truly warm and giving to everybody - she was a very, very popular teacher and was well-loved by all the students, parents and staff."
Mary and Gerry Menke, Victoria
Business owners Mary and Gerry Menke from the small coastal community of Mallacoota in far eastern Victoria were among the passengers on flight MH17.
The couple were involved in the abalone industry and in producing pearl jewellery.
Jeanette Seignior from Business and Tourism East Gippsland says it is shocking news.
"They work in a unique part of the world - a very beautiful part of the world," she said.
"You know, abalone's out in the ocean and Mary owns the local beauty and hairdressing shop in Mallacoota.
"Mallacoota's not a very big place so it'll be a great loss for that community."
Elaine Teoh and Emiel Mahler, Victoria
Victorian-based finance workers Elaine Teoh and Emiel Mahler have been remembered as "beloved" staff at IG Australia.
As foreign nationals, Ms Teoh - who was Malaysian - and Mr Mahler - who was Dutch, have not been counted on the official toll of Australians killed in the disaster.
In a statement, IG Australia sent its condolences to the families of the pair.
"IG Australia wishes to send its deepest sympathies ... to the families of our colleague and former colleague Elaine Teoh and Emiel Mahler," it said.
Ms Teoh graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2008.
On social media, David Teoh Qi-en said he had confirmation from Malaysia Airlines that his sister was on board the flight.
"While I understand public opinions and comments on MH17, I urge my friends to remain wise and calm when talking about it and also [to] keep my family and I in prayer as we are going through these tough times," he wrote on Facebook.
Edel Mahady, WA
Married mother-of-two Edel Mahady was on board flight MH17.
Mrs Mahady worked as a school administrator at the Good Shepherd Catholic School in Kelmscott south of Perth and worked at local gyms as an instructor.
She was returning from a trip to Ireland where she was visiting her mother.
Her family has released a statement saying Mrs Mahady would not want anyone to waste time hating those responsible for her death and would instead expect the family to "suck it up", care for those who need it and live life to the full.
"She was devoted to and immeasurably proud of her husband Dereck, son Conor and daughter Ciara," the statement read.
"If there was an Irish version of a tiger mother, Edel was it.
"Edel's fierce love of her family was evident in her support of her siblings through constant communication and regular visits to care for her elderly mother."
Jack O'Brien, New South Wales
In a statement, family said 25-year-old Jack O'Brien, who was from Sydney, was on his way home from a "fantastic seven-week holiday in Europe".
"The life of our beloved son and brother, Jack, has been ended so suddenly," they said.
"We are devastated at his loss, as are Jack's extended family and friends.
"He was loved so much."
It is understood Mr O'Brien worked at a gym at Carlingford in Sydney's north-west.
His friends have paid tribute on social media, saying he had a passion for life and a beautiful soul.
Wayne and Theresa Baker, Northern Territory
Married former public servants Wayne and Theresa Baker from Darwin were returning home after holidaying in Europe.
The couple have two adult sons still living in the Top End.
Mrs Baker's mother Angela Turnbull remembers her daughter as a loving and devoted person.
"She loved her job - she only just retired from her job in March in Darwin and their plan was to do a lot of travelling," she said.
"She was a very devoted mother."
Ms Turnbull says the couple lived in the Darwin region for most of their adult lives.
"Before they got married, they moved up there and then they came home and got married and moved back up there because [the] work situation was better than down here," she said.
Arjen and Yvonne Ryder, WA
Married couple Arjen and Yvonne Ryder from Albany in the state's south were on board flight MH17 returning from a seven-week holiday in France and Holland.
Mr Ryder worked for the Department of Agriculture while his wife was a teacher.
The couple's children say they are confident their parents "are in a better place now".
"They will be sorely missed as a mum and dad and as grandparents by the wider community and our extended family," the couple's son said.
"Mum and Dad, Arj and Yvonne, were extremely generous, lived life to the full and were active in our church and community.
"Both were strong Christians who lived by their faith in everything they did."
Shaliza Zain Dewa, Johannes Van Den Hende and their three children, Victoria
The Eynesbury community in Melbourne's west is mourning the loss of the family of the five who were travelling on the flight.
Australian residents Shaliza Zain Dewa, her husband Johannes van den Hende and their three-children Piers, 15, Marnix, 12 and Margaux, 8, were among the 298 people killed.
One of the children, Piers, played for Melton Phoenix Football Club where he has been remembered as a "great kid" from a "great family".
"He would play and he was refereeing the smaller side games and he was an up-and-coming, really good goal keeper. Really passionate soccer player," club secretary Michelle Williamson said.
Family friend Neville de Morton said the loss of an entire family from the community would hit hard.
"I'm very sad, we're a pretty tight-knit community. To lose a whole family in one episode is almost unbearable," he said.
"They've got relatives overseas who'd be absolutely shattered, we're a community on our own and it's very sad."
Victor Oreshkin, NSW
Victor Oreshkin from Lidcombe in Sydney's west was on his way home from a five-week trip in Europe.
The 29-year-old was an active member of the Slavic Evangelical Pentecostal Church in Sydney.
A family friend, Luba Tarasenko, said the congregation was devastated by his death.
"Just before he left, he sang a song with the youth," he said.
"Beautiful boy. I miss him very much. It's big for us. He's a good example."
Gabrielle Lauschet, NSW
A pre-school teacher from Sydney, Gabrielle Lauschet was on her way back from Germany after visiting her mother.
The ABC understands Ms Lauschet has a 23-year-old son and a twin sister who lives in Brisbane.
The 48-year-old worked at The German International School in Sydney's North for 14 years, and was engaged to another staff member at the school.
Principal Erhardt Seifert said she would be missed.
"[She was] always joyful, very optimistic that something she can spread around the children so everyone around her also feels the same way," he said.
Marco Grippeling, Victoria
Melbourne IT worker Marco Grippeling was on board downed flight MH17.
His family has appealed for privacy after learning of his death and issued a statement.
"Marco's wife, family and friends, both in Australia and Holland, are completely devastated about their loss," the statement read.
