Leaders gather in Sydney for unofficial MH17 memorial - Toowoomba Chronicle

From right: New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir, Margie Abbott, Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Lady Lynne Cosgrove and Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove attend a mass at St. Mary's Cathedral commemorating victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, July 20, 2014. AP Photo - Rob Griffith

MOURNERS of some of those lost in the devastating attack on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 gathered in a Sydney Cathedral for an unofficial memorial service on Sunday.

Students from Sydney Catholic girls school Kincoppal Rose Bay gathered to mourn the loss of Sister Philomene Tiernan, who was one of 28 Australians and eight residents aboard the flight.

Among the hundreds who gathered for the Sunday morning service at St Mary's Cathedral were Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and other leaders.

The service, led by Bishop Peter Comensoli, was one of many around the country which focused on the loss of life in what was believed to be a terror attack.

After the ceremony, Mr Abbott said there would also be an official state memorial service, yet to be organised, in coming weeks for families and friends grieving their loss.

Mr Abbott said a date would be set for an official memorial service once families of the victims were consulted.