Gold Coast Islamic community left shaken after attack
POLICE have attended a Gold Coast mosque in the wake of a terrorist attack at two New Zealand mosques which left at least 49 dead.
Queensland police confirmed they attended the Gold Coast mosque in Arundel just after news of the Christchurch massacre broke.
A spokesperson for the police told the Bulletin the visit was a “pro-active measure to engage with leaders”.
Hussin Goss, the president of the Islamic Society of the Gold Coast, said the community would be shaken by the attack. “Firstly, we are saddened for the people who have been hurt and for those who have passed away, that is the foremost on our mind,” Mr Goss said.
“That this has happened, this terrorist attack in New Zealand, shows it could happen anywhere.
“It still saddens us that people hold a grudge against this religion which is a true religion of peace.”
Mr Goss said he was at prayers in Sydney when news of the massacre broke.
“I was in prayer and my phone kept going off, I had about 50 messages there when I saw what had happened,” he said.
Mr Goss said the impact of the attacks would be felt across the whole of the community.
“It is a great shock, this will really affect us,” he said.
“Things were smoothing out and then some donkey has gone and caused so much pain and tried to stir the pot.
“First up we want to focus on the families in New Zealand to show our support and our condolences.
“And we will work on the security of our own people within Australia as we are one.”