³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

At a historic meeting at Bondi Pavillion, Mayors representing more than half the population of Sydney today issued a joint statement calling for an end to religious violence as actions of hate and resolving to work together to bring harmony and understanding to bear.

The round table was organised by the mayors of Liverpool (Mayor Ned Mannoun), Waverley (Mayor Will Nemesh) and Inner West (Mayor Darcy Byrne), who are Muslim, Jewish, and Christian respectively.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said this is a level of acceptance, agreement and action that can only be achieved in Australia

“The rapid agreement by all the Mayors to the joint statement demonstrated the level of harmony and co-operation that can be achieved. The full statement can be read here

“We call what happened a multicultural event, but really it was an Australian event, a product of living in is the most successful multicultural society in the world.

“Overseas there are nationalities that violently disagree with each other. Here in Australia, we simply must say a very loud ‘NO’,” he said.

The conference of Mayors welcomed toughening of legislation outlawing ethnic vilification at the State and Federal levels but said more needed to be done at the community level.

“Mayors are uniquely placed to bring communities together. As the joint statement says, our goal is to create a stronger, safer and more united society where everyone feels respected and valued,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“By working together all across Sydney, we can build bridges, foster understanding, and create a stronger, united future no matter your postcode.”

The councils agreed to share strategies, initiate programs, organise public events and celebrations and work to create greater understanding between different religious beliefs in their local government areas.

“People should concentrate on celebrating the commonalities, taking the time to talk to each other, enjoy each other’s company and – most importantly – stop others from engaging in religious vilification and violence.

“Whether it’s Australia Day, ANZAC Day or one of our multicultural celebrations, Liverpool Council is proud to celebrate the diverse makeup of our fast-growing city that’s home for more than 150 nationalities,” he said.