The Mayor of Griffith, Doug Curran, and the Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Dallas Tout, spoke earlier today about the tragedy at Bondi. The Mayors universally condemned the acts of hate inflicted on the Australian community at Bondi. Each city 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 one of our greatest 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 so they feel loved, valued and safe."
Mayor Curran and Mayor Tout urged all community leaders to exercise their leadership and reaffirm Australian values of inclusion and compassion. By universally condemning the selfish and cowardly hatred displayed by individuals at Bondi, the community will be stronger.
"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."
