MAYOR DARCY BYRNE, PRESIDENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW
“Local Government NSW and councils across the state stand united in grief with Waverley Council and the Jewish community following yesterday’s appalling massacre at Bondi Beach.”
“This horrific atrocity is an act of evil, terrorism and antisemitism. Our hearts go out to all those affected including the brave first responders. We embrace the Jewish community across NSW during this time of unimaginable pain.”
“I spoke this morning with Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh to offer the complete solidarity of all local representatives for him and his community.”
“We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Waverley Council and the Jewish community as they navigate this tragedy.”
“As a solemn expression of grief and respect for the innocent lives lost, flags will be lowered across NSW local council buildings.”
“I urge all councils and communities to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of residents and the cohesion of our communities.”
NSW COUNTRY MAYORS REACT TO BONDI SHOOTING
The Bondi mass shooting incident and the hate behind it, has shocked and impacted us all, with
shockwaves also rippling across rural, remote and regional NSW.
“Tragedy unites us as we support each other, contrary to the divisive goals of terrorists,” Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said.
“We are all deeply moved and saddened by these dreadful Murders which have taken place in Bondi.”
“The prayers and thoughts of our CMA Board and Members are especially with those who’ve lost loved ones. Our hearts are also with those who are in Hospital, and those who are caring for them,” Mayor Firman said.
“We also thank the dedicated emergency services men and women and those brave citizens who have helped in any way,” he said.
Mayor Firman has expressed support for his city colleagues. “To Mayor Will Nemesh, Councillors and Staff of Waverley Council – all of us at the CMA stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they lead their devasted community during a horrific time” he said.
“We also support our Government and the NSW Police Force as they seek to bring those guilty to justice, whilst supporting those people who need it so desperately.”
“Terrorism wins when we live in fear.”
“In the midst of our current darkness, I know by supporting each other, we will see light again,” Mayor Firman said.
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR OF RANDWICK
Dylan Parker on Bondi Beach Terror Attack
Our community is heartbroken by the heinous terrorist attack at neighbouring Bondi Beach last night. We are shocked by the scenes of gunmen firing on innocent people including children.
I heard the news of this antisemitic terror attack firsthand standing alongside members of our Jewish community at a Coogee Hannukah event with reports of a major incident emerging literally as we were lighting the first candle on the Hanukkiah.
Rightfully members of the Jewish community, indeed the entire community, will be feeling scared and angry right now. We stand with Bondi and the entire Jewish community at this devastating time and offer our deepest condolences to you and to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.
Our entire community wraps our arms around you in the wake of this atrocious antisemitic terror attack.
As members of the Jewish community know all too well and as we would all do well to remember – darkness will not prevail.
I want to acknowledge the extraordinary courage of police, paramedics and bystanders who acted quickly and bravely in the face of extreme danger.
I really want to emphasise the importance of maintaining calm and letting the police do their important work.
Support for people affected
Understandably, you may not be coping particularly well in response to these awful scenes at our neighbouring beach. There is support available to you.
The NSW Government has set up a dedicated web page www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack
Anyone directly impacted by this tragedy can access support through the NSW Victims Support Scheme. The scheme provides free counselling and financial assistance to people affected by violent crime, including injured victims, witnesses and families who have lost a loved one.
Victims Services has set up a dedicated phone line for victims and family members affected by the Bondi Beach incident. Call 1800 411 822, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
If you are feeling not right as a result of the coverage, need immediate emotional and mental health support, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
The community can also call the NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line, which is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.
Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au
THE HILLS SHIRE MAYOR = DR MICHELLE BYRNE
I am absolutely horrified by the terrorist attack at Bondi yesterday.
On behalf of The Hills Shire community, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, especially to Sydney’s Jewish community who were clearly the target of this hateful and antisemitic act.
To the Jewish community of The Hills Shire – we stand with you.
Antisemitism and hatred have no place in our society and must be condemned unequivocally.
I thank NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and the brave civilian heroes whose swift actions helped avert further loss of life.
Please keep the victims, their families and all those affected by this terrorist attack in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
STATEMENT FROM THE HOBART CITY COUNCIL
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in Bondi. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims, their families, and the entire Bondi and Jewish communities during this incredibly difficult time.
Moments like these remind us of the importance of unity and compassion. As a community, we must come together to support one another, stand against violence and racism, and foster a sense of safety and care for all.
The City of Hobart stands in solidarity with Bondi, the first responders, emergency personnel and all those affected.
We encourage everyone to reach out, offer kindness, and look after each other.
A STATEMENT FROM BRIMBANK
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Virginia Tachos, has expressed her deep sadness and concern following the tragic events in Bondi yesterday.
“On behalf of the Brimbank community and Brimbank City Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of all those who lost their lives, and send our love to everyone impacted by this devastating act of violence,” Cr Tachos said.
“We gratefully acknowledge the bravery and professionalism of all first responders who acted so swiftly and courageously to help in this incredibly confronting situation.”
Cr Tachos said the tragedy is felt deeply across all Australia’s communities, including within Brimbank.
“At this time, we extend our deepest concern and care to members of our Brimbank community who would usually be celebrating Hanukkah with family and friends. We recognise they may now find this time to be particularly difficult and distressing.
“Events like this can be very upsetting and worrying for so many of us. I gently encourage anyone who is struggling or feeling distressed to reach out for support.”
Support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14, or through a wide range of local community and wellbeing services in Brimbank, which are available to provide care, connection and support.
For more information visit our website and search ‘wellbeing support’.
“At times like this, compassion, kindness and community connection are more important than ever. Let’s look out for one another.”
MAYORS OF WAGGA WAGGA AND GRIFFITH CONDEMN ATTACK
The Mayor of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout and Mayor of Griffith Councillor Doug Curran and the spoke together today about the tragedy at Bondi.
The Mayors universally condemned the actions of hate inflicted against the Australian community at Bondi. Each of the cities is planning responses of sympathy and solidarity within their respective communities.
The Mayors agreed “Our country is built on respect and compassion for everyone who calls Australia home.
“Any person who does not share that respect or compassion should be openly and loudly condemned.
“Our Riverina is a thriving multicultural community with diversity being just one of our treasures. Every member of our community across the length and breadth of this great region should feel safe and respected.
“At this time of great sorrow, it is important that we come together and support everyone feeling loved, valued and safe.”
Mayor Curran and Mayor Tout urged all leaders in our community to exercise their leadership to confirm our Australian values of inclusion and compassion.
“By universally condemning the selfish and cowardly hatred displayed by individuals at Bondi last night, we will all be stronger,” the Mayors said.
“The worst of our community emerged yesterday and it was met by the best of our community. Today, it is only the best of our community acting in chorus. Long may it be so.”
