Our city has said loud and clear "Kia kaha Christchurch".
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Kia kaha is a Maori phrase meaning stay strong.
The community of this city and this region, like many other areas around Australia and the world, has sent a message of support to the people of New Zealand
They are foremost in our thoughts at this tragic time.
On Monday, the flags on the Wollongong City Council building flew at half mast.
On Monday evening the Illawarra community gathered in front of the Wesley Church on the Mall to honour the victims of Friday's terrorist attack.
It followed a weekend where our region showed its support for our Muslim community, many people turning up to Gwynville's Omar Mosque with flowers and cards.
A candlelight vigil was held at the Omar Mosque on Saturday night with Omar Mosque chairman Munir Hussain describing the turnout as "wonderful".
"The mosque was full ... so there was a very good sense of unity and a lot of sorrow, a lot of sadness," he told the Mercury at the weekend.
"It was nice to know that they are with us."
If Christchurch teaches us anything it is that now, more than ever, we must strive for inclusion, tolerance and acceptance.
Few would have believed New Zealand or Christchurch be the scene of such hatred and violence. Like our city, Christchurch was seen as a city of peace.
Our city of Wollongong has prided itself on being a city of diversity and inclusion.
Now more than ever we need to ensure we foster and encourage that, united in our efforts to remain free of the divisiveness and hatred spewed forth by extremists.
We must remain defiantly united against those who would attempt to divide us.
Now is the time for social inclusion.
Now is the time to be welcoming and understanding of other cultures who enrich the community we live in.
No is the time to say we reject extremism and hatred.
Now is the time to say "Kia kaha, Christchurch".
We will stand strong alongside you.
