One of the emotional notes left in Martin Place, Sydney. Source: News Corp Australia

A nation rocked by tragedy is now thinking to the future and looking for permanent ways to remember the victims of the deadly siege and their families.

As the City of Sydney decides what happens to the area next, news.com.au invited readers to share their thoughts.

The mountain of flowers left by wellwishers. Source: Getty Images

Here’s what you said:

Many suggested composting the flowers, which was done with the tributes to Princess Diana after her death, and planting a tree by the Lindt cafe, a “living monument” flower bed or a memorial garden.

Others proposed drying the flowers’ petals for potpourri gift bags, which could be sold to raise money for the families or a foundation.

Most agreed the wishes of the families were paramount, and said that relatives or injured hostages might like to take some of the tributes.

Many thought the notes and flower photos should be collated into a book, which could also be sold for the families or other victims of terrorism. Esera Leolahi of Sydney said they could be kept in the State Library of NSW.

Jill from Brisbane also envisaged making them into wallpaper for a tribute within the Lindt cafe.

Swordscot61 of Perth suggested turning them into an artwork to be displayed in a nearby office.

Many believe a foundation should be set up for Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson’s family (pictured), or other victims of terrorist attacks. Source: News Corp Australia

Many thought there should be a Martin Place monument in honour of the heroism of Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson.

JB said a “small and respectful” plaque would be a fitting tribute. “We don’t want all of Martin Place to be a morbid memory of the tragedy,” he said.

Roger Edwards of North Gosford said a bravery award should be given to the two heroic victims in posthumous recognition for their actions.

Victoria Miranda of Sydney said the cards and notes should be framed in glass and used on a commemorative plaque.

Maree Bernadette said she thought the notes were “truly beautiful” because they “represent an expression of solidarity, comfort, unity and empathy”.

But Mike from Sydney said: “I understand the grief that people wish to display, but there has got to be tens upon tens of thousands of dollars worth of flowers in there. The money spent on buying more flowers could be set up as a trust fundor something to assist Katrina’s spouse in being able to raise their three young children”.

Some said the bouquets of flowers could be dried and sold as pot pourri, or pressed and turned into an artwork. Source: News Corp Australia

Gogo, from a nearby office block, said the city could create a collage of notes and pressed flowers on a wall. Sarah from Melbourne proposed a colourful mural.

The office of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is in discussions with families and the government over what should be done with the tribute.

A spokesman confirmed that the notes will be kept in some form, following social media campaign #savethenotes.

He said it was still early to decide, as flowers are still being laid at the scene. He also referred to plans for a memorial service.

Martin Place is slowly trying to return to normal. Shops have reopened and people are back at work.

The fence around the Lindt cafe, which has become a tribute wall, is due to be taken down, and Lindt’s other city outlets are back in operation.

Some said the notes should be made into wallpaper for the Lindt cafe. Source: News Corp Australia

Meanwhile, Australians will come together this afternoon (Wednesday night local time) on Los Angeles’ iconic Sunset Strip for a candlelight vigil to remember Ms Dawson and Mr Johnson.

Skye Topic, who works for a Hollywood production company, went to school and university with Ms Dawson, while Amanda Griffiths and Rae Loomes were close with Mr Johnson’s family.

They connected with Claire and Brad Cox, the Australian owners of Vaucluse, a Sunset Boulevard restaurant and bar, on social media to arrange Wednesday night’s memorial.

“I just felt devastated and useless sitting in LA and not being able to give Tori’s family a hug, so we just wanted to do something,” Mr Loomes said..