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Calls for calm follow Bondi terror attack
Leaders say it’s not the time to be ‘seeking retribution’, instead urging heartbroken Australians to come together to grieve and heal.
Mourners placing flowers at a memorial at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Monday. (Image: Mick Tsikas/AAP)
Australia’s leaders have called for calm as investigations into the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack continue, saying ‘retribution or acts against any part of any community will not be accepted’.
Sixteen people were killed and more than 40 injured when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on Sunday night – an attack authorities say was deliberately targeting the Jewish community.
The 50-year-old alleged gunman was shot dead by police, while his 24-year-old son suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
The heroic efforts of Sydney’s first responders have been recognised across the nation, and the world, with hundreds of police, paramedics, emergency services, and members of the public rushing to the scene.
The harrowing mass shooting has been described as ‘devastating’ and ‘evil’, but police say now is the time for communities to come together to grieve and heal.
Sydney GP and RACGP President Dr Michael Wright has echoed these calls.
‘Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and loved ones impacted by this horrific attack, as well as the heroic first responders and members of the public who bravely took action,’ he said.
‘To my colleagues in Sydney, please know that you are central to my thoughts.’
Dr Wright acknowledged the profound impact the attacks are sure to have, saying the RACGP’s thoughts are with the victims, their families, and loved ones impacted.
‘For such an incident to occur during a religious festival, and so close to the holiday period, is deeply upsetting,’ he said.
‘The strength of our nation lies in embracing the diversity of our population, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or sexuality.’
Dr Wright is now urging Australians, including his fellow GPs, to look after themselves and continue to support each other with care and compassion.
‘As Australia comes to terms with what has occurred, it is important that we look after one another and continue to support each other with care and compassion,’ he said.
‘Take care of yourselves and those around you. Anyone impacted should seek assistance, and we remind the community that your GP can provide significant support during this time.
‘This will affect us in our practices as our patients, staff and ourselves are likely to need more care.’
Bondi Beach remained an active crime scene on Monday as New South Wales Police investigations continue, with more than 300 officers on the ground.
But the state’s Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon warned it is ‘not a time for anyone to be seeking retribution’.
‘This is a time for calm,’ he said.
‘Retribution or acts against any part of any community will not be accepted.
‘This is a time for the community to come together, this is a time that police will take action to make sure the community feels safe.
‘This is not what we expect in New South Wales, these types of actions, what we saw yesterday is abhorrent.
‘We have taken firm action, we are keen to make sure the community now heals.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an ‘act of pure evil’.
‘An act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores, in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations, and it is forever tarnished,’ he said.
‘This was an attack deliberately targeted at the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, which of course should be a joyous celebration and the Jewish community are hurting today.
‘All Australians wrap our arms around them and say we stand with you, we will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism – it is a scourge, and we will eradicate it together.’
In the wake of the tragedy, the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has set up mental health support at Bondi Pavilion.
The Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network has collated several mental health resources in response to the attack – it will also contact all local practices with additional support.
Further support for you or anyone you know is also available through:
For those of you seeking additional support, RACGP members can call 1300 361 008 to book an appointment for free, confidential counselling under our
GP support program, more information is available on the
RACGP website.
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Anthony Albanese New South Wales
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