Liverpool Council has unanimously adopted a Mayoral Minute reaffirming its commitment to multiculturalism in the wake of the Martin Place siege earlier in the week.
Councillors and senior staff also held a minute of silence for the victims of the siege.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said people of all faiths stood side by side, condemning the gunman for his actions.
Liverpool was a leader in successful Australian multiculturalism and would continue to lead by example by embracing all communities which live in the city, the mayor said.
“We do this by celebrating proudly our many cultures through council sponsored events like celebrating Christmas; through our interfaith dinners, celebrating NAIDOC week and festivals like Diwali and Pacifica,” Cr Mannoun said.
“Council and councillors must and do play a daily role in maintaining this harmony, communication and interfaith engagement in Liverpool.
“Citizens too have an obligation to reach out and engage with all members of our community.”
The mayoral minute stated:
“We have all been shocked and saddened by the hostage siege in Martin Place Sydney that has unfolded over the last 48 hours. These events, which have captivated our nation and the world’s attention, cannot go without response from our community leaders.
Whilst investigations by authorities have some length to travel before any definite conclusions can be drawn, it appears from the information available to the public, that this incident was the result of a criminal act by an individual thinly cloaked in a fundamentally misguided form of faith. All people of faith whether Islamic, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist or any other faith, stand side by side condemning this man and his distorted actions.
Liverpool City is an outstanding icon for successful Australian multiculturalism. Amongst our nearly 200,000 residents are people from probably every region and religion of the world living in our peaceful, harmonious community. In confronting times like these, we must redouble our efforts and strengthen our resolve, to remain united and to remain a cohesive democratic community.
Councillors, I share with you the sadness at what has happened and extend the council’s sympathy to those affected especially those who are sadly bereaved by loss. I also extend our support and thanks to the authorities including the NSW Police at the frontline of this response.’’
The mayoral minute recommended that:
“Council reaffirms Liverpool City as a diverse, tolerant multicultural community that rejects all forms of violence and religious extremism;
Recommits Liverpool City to activities that strengthen our multicultural community including two interfaith dinners, Christmas celebrations, Australia Day celebrations and other festivities as agreed by the CEO and Mayor from time to time that strengthen our community harmony;
Observes a minute’s silence in respect of those affected by the siege in Martin Place, the hostages and police services impacted and particularly in the memory of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson who lost their lives and those loved ones and friends affected by bereavement.
