Close to 500 people gathered for the International Memorial Service for the victims of the recent tragedies in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Christchurch, New Zealand on Sunday, 28 May.
Representatives from the Muslim community, the Catholic Diocese, the Anglican Church, the Sikh Temple, the Jewish community, the Maori community and Aboriginal Elders, all gathered at Blacktown International Sportspark for the service.
“The senseless acts of terror in New Zealand on March 15 and in Sri Lanka on Palm Sunday have left us all with a heavy heart,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.
“The memorial service was a moment to think about the families who lost loved ones, the parents who lost children, the children who were orphaned, and those who lost husbands and wives.
“We remember the people who have sustained life-long injuries, and those who are emotionally scarred by these atrocities.
“Our City celebrates multi-culturalism and fosters understanding among the many different faiths and cultures that call Blacktown home.
“Blacktown stands in solidarity with people of all faiths and all cultures to stamp out vilification and hatred and strive to be a compassionate and caring community.”
