General News
21 December, 2025
Local faith groups unite after Bondi attack
SEVERAL denominations joined together last Monday to mourn the horrendous loss of 15 people at Bondi Beach on Sunday. 15 people were killed when 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach. A further 21 people remain in hospital including one in a critical condition. The act of terrorism has sent shockwaves through the Australian community, with many people in Ararat keen to remember those killed.
Leaders from the Anglican, Catholic, Life Links, Salvation Army and Seventh Day Adventist churches staged a memorial service on Monday night, inviting people from all faiths to attend.
Pastor David Toulputt from Life Links Church said the incident at Bondi Beach has robbed people of their lives and the community of its sense of security and peace.
“What took place on Bondi Beach was an evil act of darkness.
“We praise the heroic efforts of those in the emergency services and many others who showed remarkable bravery, putting their own lives at risk to save others, including a 43-year-old Syrian immigrant who bravely disarmed one of the shooters. By their actions, they demonstrated the very best of Australian values,” he said.
Mayor Bob Sanders addressed the service saying he was deeply saddened by the Bondi attack.
“Australia is made up of many different backgrounds, cultures and faith. It’s one of the things that makes our country so special.
“I believe this diversity brings so much to our everyday lives.
It’s hard to understand how something like this could happen in our country,” he said.
Cr Sanders said it was important the incident doesn’t diminish the way we live.
“I’d like to encourage us to all focus on how we respond. Let’s continue to act with love, respect and inclusion, all the elements that make Ararat Rural City such a special place.”
Read More: Ararat