‘Colleagues in arms’: Six Sydney mayors unite to honour victims with vigil planned for Bondi Beach
Plans for a candlelight vigil at Bondi Beach, and to reopen Westfield shopping have been outlined on a day Sydney’s mayors paid their respects at the Bondi Junction massacre memorial.
NSW
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Several Sydney mayors have travelled to Bondi Junction to lay wreaths and pay respects to the community and the victims of Saturday’s attack.
The mayors of Parramatta, Blacktown, Liverpool, Georges River and Hornsby Shire joined Waverly Mayor Paula Masselos at the floral tribute Wednesday afternoon.
“Our community in western Sydney and Liverpool, we’re devastated with this like everyone in Sydney,” Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said.
“It’s important we all stand together in these very challenging times.”
Lord Mayor for Parramatta, Pierre Esber said he is deeply saddened by the stabbing rampage.
“We send our wishes to the families of victims from this horrific event and the whole community. I pass this message from all the people of Parramatta, we all feel for you during this time,” he said.
Waverley Mayor Paula Messelos also said her thoughts were with Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone in the wake of the terrorism incident at a church in his LGA on Monday evening.
“It is terrible having this happen so soon after what happened here,” she said.
“We are colleagues in arms now and extend our deepest condolences to all involved. It is a shocking event for everyone as Australia as we know is a safe place and there is no room for incidents like this.”
At Waverley Council’s extraordinary meeting on Tuesday night a unanimous decision was passed for $10,000 to be donated to Headspace and an extra $10,000 to Bondi Junction Lifeline to support the broader community.
“The next few weeks are going to be extremely challenging, we are ready to support our community so people can once again feel safe in Waverley,” Ms Masselos said.
Ms Masselos also confirmed an upgrade for Bondi Junction following Premier Chris Minns desire for a permanent memorial.
The Waverley Mayor confirmed there would be a candlelight vigil at Bondi Beach on Sunday to honour the victims.
“Our community is deep in grief and this is a time to support each other and stand together,” she said.
“This vigil will be an opportunity to reflect and commence healing, bring your candles, bring your friends and family.”
Ms Masselos also confirmed they will have extra security and police in place to ensure safety for the community.
This comes after Scentre Group chief executive Elliott Rusanow confirmed details about the Westfield shopping centre reopening its doors.
The centre will open on Thursday, however, retail will not resume until Friday.
“Some stores would choose not to reopen,” Mr Rusanow said.
“This has been a very difficult time and I want to acknowledge the hard work and tireless efforts of our Westfield Bondi and Scentre Group teams.
“They have been working through conditions which have been devastating in their minds and in all our minds.”
“The centre will be quiet, allow for reflection to occur as members of the community are able to come and pay their respects.”
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