Murrindindi Shire Council has taken decisive action in response the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, moving an urgent motion at its meeting on Wednesday 17 December. The motion condemns the attack in the strongest terms, expresses heartfelt condolences to those affected, and calls for unity and leadership at every level of society. It reaffirms Council's commitment to compassion, inclusion and community safety, and sets out three clear calls to action - for Councillors, for the community, and for Australia's national leaders - to stand together against hatred and division.
Speaking to the motion, Mayor Damien Gallagher said:
"On behalf of Murrindindi Shire Council, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families and loved ones, and to all those whose lives have been profoundly affected by the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
This deliberate act of violence against innocent people has shaken communities across Australia and caused deep grief and sorrow. It stands in direct opposition to the values we share as a society and as local communities - care for one another, respect for human life, and responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all.
On Monday 15 December, Murrindindi Shire Council lowered its flags to half-mast as a mark of respect and remembrance. This action reflected our collective empathy, our solidarity with those affected, and our recognition of the lasting impact this attack will have on families and communities.
Violence has no place in our society. Acts of terror and hatred have no place in Australia. As leaders and as a community, we have a responsibility to respond with compassion, integrity and resolve - supporting those who are grieving and reaffirming our commitment to safe, respectful and inclusive communities.
We also acknowledge and thank the first responders, emergency services and healthcare workers who acted with courage, professionalism and care in the most confronting of circumstances. Their actions remind us of the strength that exists within our community and across our nation.
As we approach the holiday period, a time that can be especially difficult for those experiencing loss, I encourage our community to look out for one another. Small acts of kindness, patience and care matter. They strengthen our resilience and reflect the values that bind us together.
As a Council and as a community, we stand united in support of peace, safety and humanity. We hold the victims, their families and all those affected in our thoughts, and we extend our ongoing care and solidarity as communities across Australia continue to reflect, grieve and heal.
We further condemn attempts to exploit grief for political point-scoring, fuel division or scapegoat communities. What our country needs now is united leadership and a bipartisan approach - just as we saw after the Port Arthur massacre when Parliament stood together to introduce lifesaving gun laws. We must stamp out blame-shifting and the ugly rhetoric that tears at the fabric of our democracy.
Council resolved to:
- Lead by Example
Council commits to model calm, compassion and integrity in all words and actions; to actively counter misinformation and division; and to reaffirm our Community Vision of inclusion:
"Together we are a vibrant rural community where everyone feels welcome and valued, young people see a future, every person is supported and empowered, and diversity is genuinely embraced. Our heritage and landscapes are celebrated, and our economy is thriving. We cherish all that makes this Shire unique. Murrindindi is the destination of choice - to live, to visit, and to enjoy."
- Unite as a Community
We plead with our community to stay united, choose kindness over anger, and speak up whenever racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia or any discriminatory behaviour appears. Such behaviour is not tolerated in Murrindindi. Don't stand quietly - if you see it, call it out, report it and support those affected. Our strength is our diversity and our care for one another.
- Call on National Leadership
We call on Australia's federal leaders to step up together: lead the nation with dignity, strength and unity; work across the aisle to strengthen our democracy; and commit to stamping out hatred and division. Stop the point-scoring. Put people first. In this dark period, Australians deserve a single, steady voice of hope and resolve."
