Symbols of love for fallen
THE horrific attacks in Christchurch were barely over when the first bunch of flowers and message of condolence made its way to the Darwin mosque in Wanguri.
By lunchtime yesterday, flowers filled the table beside the mosque as leaders of the local Islamic community met, fearful that if a random attack could take place in a peaceful city such as Christchurch, it could happen anywhere.
The flowers, they said, were symbols of love, while the attack was a symbol of hate.
The Islamic Society of the Northern Territory will tonight welcome people from the Muslim and wider community to the mosque to offer condolences and prayers in Arabic and English, in a show of solidarity.
Meanwhile, the Northern Territory Police Association has joined the Police Federation of Australia’s vow to offer any support needed to emergency services personnel in New Zealand.
Association president Paul McCue said: “The mass slaughter of New Zealand citizens, who were simply enjoying the right to worship at two mosques is horrendous and our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.”
In a statement, the Police Federation of Australia said of alleged murderer Brenton Tarrant: “As police, as unionists, and as Australians, we thoroughly condemn him, his alleged accomplices and the killings of which they are now accused.”
The federation said survivors and responding police alike can carry mental scars with them for life.
The federation encouraged donations to victims though an official fundraiser by the New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups, set up through website givealittle.co.nz