I’m sydney & had to do mandatory evac earlier, about 7 hrs after hostage taking was reported in the media, from our office building, though was at least 800 metres away from the hostage site. The hostage taker(s) in Martin Place doesn’t/don’t seem to be ISIS. Based on past behaviour of ISIS members, reported previously in the international media, they (or s/he) wouldn’t let 5 hostages to walk free or escape so far to begin with. Much anxiety has been caused though. I don’t know. We aren’t getting much here from the media. Lots of confusing & repeat accounts from the media. We thought we’d have major delays getting home due to traffic diversions but wasn’t the case at all. Hope all will be sorted out by tomorrow & peacefully.
Thanks for your first hand account.