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.”
Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP (left), Deputy
Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (centre left) Blacktown City
Mayor Stephen Bali MP (Centre), Member for Chifley Ed
Husic MP (third from right), Acting NSW Opposition Leader
Penny Sharpe MLC (second from right) were some of the
attendees.
The Maori Wardens attended the Sunday Memorial service at
Rooty Hill.
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