Victoria's View | 16 December 2025

Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire,

I would like to address the tragedy that many of us woke up to on the 15th, of the mass shooting that happened at Bondi Beach in Sydney. An antisemitic massacre that directly targeted the Australian Jewish community, who were celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah. Local authorities declared it a terrorist attack, and it is now the second-deadliest mass shooting in Australian history.

Though it happened miles from here, many locals, including myself, are holding the victims in our hearts, the youngest of whom was 10 years old, and mourning alongside those families affected, despite the distance.

Robert Lang from the Cardwell RSL let me know that, "The National Flag flies at Half Mast at the Cardwell Cenotaph today in honour of the innocent victims of the horrendous attack by religious fanatics at Bondi Beach on the 14th of December 2025."

It is truly tragic, Australia is a country built on community and mateship, that 'Australian melting pot'. In times like these, I hope everyone can be there for a friend or family member who may be hurting from this news.

I will sign off with this message written by MP for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa, "My heart breaks for those that have lost their lives and those who are injured, in this senseless attack. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends, our brave first responders and the entire community."

Victoria