Tragedies, like the one which occurred at Mount Keira on Tuesday afternoon, have a profound impact on a community.
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Regardless of the details and circumstances, this community has lost a mother and her daughter.
That loss will be felt far and wide.
It is a time for the community to look out for each other and ourselves.
"When we hear news like this all our hearts break," local psychologist Alex Hains told the Illawarra Mercury.
"And it's natural for us to all wan tot understand 'why'.
"But of course, that's often the most difficult question to answer.
"At times like this, when our communities are hurting, it's important we all look after each other and ourselves.
"If anyone feels like they would like some support or just someone to talk to, I'd encourage them to reach out."
Wollongong police boss Chief Superintendent Chris Craner, an experienced officer, acknowledged this would be "absolutely devastating" for the entire community.
"It's going to be devastating for the family and my thoughts are also with the emergency services who have turned up here today to this horrific incident," Mr Craner said on Tuesday.
"Just seeing the police walk off and the ambulance walk off you think you poor buggers I know what you're about to face when you get down there so that's what I find upsetting for the troops."
At the scene on Wednesday morning where police were conducting their investigations, a woman attended the scene.
She walked up to where police tape blocked off access to area.
There she bent down a place a bouquet of flowers.
When asked by reporters on the scene, she told them she was simply "just a mum".
Please take care of each other at this time and yourself as well.
You can access a range of services via www.suicidepreventioncollaborative.org.au/need-help/
For support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
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