Wollongong City Council, alongside Shellharbour and Kiama councils, is flying its flags at half-mast in mourning over the Bondi attack. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Flags will fly at half-mast outside Wollongong City Council today in acknowledgement of the tragic mass shooting at Bondi in Sydney on Sunday.
Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the council wanted to extend its condolences and support to the local Jewish community in the aftermath of the attack, which killed 16 people and hospitalised 40 more.
One of the dead was a shooter.
Cr Brown also suggested the council write to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and Waverly Council to share its condolences with the communities directly affected by the attack.
“It’s hard to find the right words when events like this cut to the heart of our country,” she said at the most recent Wollongong City Council meeting.
“There is a feeling of grief and outrage. There is no place for racism or anti-Semitism in Australia.
“We stand in awe at the bravery of first responders, surf lifesavers and community who ran into danger.
“We thank NSW Police, Ambulance and all first responders, along with citizens who gave aid and worked to apprehend the perpetrators, and we give thanks to health professionals who worked throughout the night to save lives.
“We pray for those fighting for their lives, and their families.
“We mourn that terrorism has come to our shores and struck at the heart of Australia.
“Wollongong is a city of peace where many nationalities live in harmony. When one suffers, we all experience pain.”
Councillors voted unanimously to extend their condolence and to fly the Jewish flag outside the council offices, alongside all flags at half-mast to honour the shooting victims.
Cr David Brown said the mood in the community was one of shock and numbness.
He expressed his hope that in time the community would be able to come together and heal.
Cr Tiana Myers said community solidarity and support were more important than ever.
“We cannot let a handful of extremists who do not represent their communities tear our society apart,” she said.
“While this has affected all Australians, we need to be very clear that the Jewish community was deliberately targeted in this barbaric terrorist attack.
“No religion or community should be villainised for the acts of individuals. Violence has no place in this country.”
Cr Kit Docker said his thoughts were with the victims, their families and friends, and everyone who was at Bondi and experienced the attack.
Shellharbour and Kiama councils have also flown their flags at half-mast in respect and mourning.
