Sydney Mayors unite to combat religious violence

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.

Media Contact: Alan Gale       [email protected] 0492 087 403

Sydney Mayors vote unanimously to accept the joint statement calling for an end to religious violence.

Sydney Mayors at Bondi Pavillion for the Mayoral round table/

Mayors Ned Mannoun (Liverpool), Will Nemesh (Waverley) and Darcy Byrne (Inner West) at the Mayor’s Round Table.

Mayors of Sydney joint statement on social cohesion

06 February 2025 |

We, the Mayors of the following Councils, are united in calling out violence, hatred, and extremism. Our communities are welcoming and connected and made stronger by our diverse views, faiths, backgrounds, cultures and identities. The acts of hate and violence seen across Sydney must be condemned in the strongest terms, while these brazen and cowardly acts require prosecution with the full force of the law.

These criminal acts aim to create fear, chaos and division. We call on our communities to stand together, as we are standing together, to support one another during these challenging times. We unequivocally condemn the alarming rise in antisemitic attacks as well acknowledge the broader escalation of racism and violence against racial and faith-based communities including Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists. There is no place for hate in our society.

Sydney is a vibrant and proudly multicultural and multifaith city. Its diverse population is reflected right across the city, creating an inclusive community of which we are proud. Every layer of government and every person in our community has a role to play in maintaining our peaceful harmonious community in Sydney. Local government plays a crucial role in fostering this inclusivity among multicultural communities, where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.  We strongly state that local government is for local issues, and that foreign affairs is not the remit or expertise of Councils.

We are committed to being champions of social cohesion and using our leadership and knowledge to combat racism and promote community safety.  Our communities deserve to live free from fear and hatred and we will work together to uphold these values and advocate for the support needed to achieve them.

Today, we call on the New South Wales and Federal Governments to take urgent action by:

Recognising Local Government as a vital tier of Government in creating and maintaining social cohesion;Partnering with Councils to combat the scourge of antisemitism, and protect all communities from vilification, intimidation, and violence;Investing in multicultural and interfaith education programs to strengthen understanding and unity between communities;Enhancing legislation to combat hate crimes and discrimination and ensure stronger protections for all;Supporting Local Government to develop anti-racism, inclusion and social cohesion strategies and policies; andProviding security infrastructure and resources where needed to safeguard at-risk communities including robust and effective policing, to find and charge perpetrators of hate crimes.

We will continue to collaborate as elected representatives to advocate for our communities, share best practices, coordinate and promote initiatives, activities and community safety. We intend to formalise this work through strategic frameworks. Our goal is to create a stronger, safer and more united society where everyone feels respected and valued.

Jointly signed by:

Will Nemesh, Mayor, Waverley Council

Ned Mannoun, Mayor, Liverpool Council

Darcy Byrne, Mayor, Inner West Council

Zoe Baker, Mayor, North Sydney Council

Elise Borg, Mayor, Georges River Council

Jack Boyd, Mayor, Sutherland Shire Council

Trenton Brown, Mayor, City of Ryde

John-Paul Baladi, Mayor, Strathfield Council

Sarah Swan, Mayor, Woollahra Council

Dr. Michelle Byrne, Mayor, The Hills Shire Council

Brad Bunting, Mayor, Blacktown City Council

Ann Marie Kimber, Mayor, Mosman Council

Edward McDougall, Mayor, Bayside Council

Michael Megna, Mayor, Canada Bay Council

Zac Miles, Mayor, Hunters Hill Council

Dylan Parker, Mayor, Randwick Council

Sue Heins, Mayor, Northern Beaches Council

Tanya Taylor, Mayor, Willoughby

Warren Waddell, Mayor, Hornsby Shire Council

Martin Zaiter, Lord Mayor, City of Parramatta

Christine Kay, Mayor, Ku-ring-gai Council