Lismore residents and community leaders gathered this morning at the Lismore Peace Pole to reflect, mourn and stand together following the deadly shooting in Bondi on Sunday.

The simple ceremony offered a place for people to lay flowers, share silence , pray, and acknowledge grief, while reinforcing a collective commitment to peace and unity.

The gathering was convened by Lismore RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Arnett, who explained the idea came together quickly after locals began asking where they could leave flowers.

Ken Arnett joined by Grahame Davis who conducted the prayer

“People were asking where they could put flowers, and we thought about the cenotaph and the police memorial, but neither felt quite right,” Mr Arnett said. “Then I thought about the Peace Pole. Eighteen months ago, under the guidance of Nerida and Rotary, this was erected here. Where better to come together than a place dedicated to peace.”

Summerland Sunrise Rotary Club President Nerida Dufficy spoke about the significance of the Peace Pole itself, which sits atop the food levee in Riverside Park near the Norco Butter Churn. Peace Pole No. 360 carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in several languages that reflect Lismore’s history and connections.

“The Peace Pole movement began in Japan in 1955, in the aftermath of World War II,” Ms Dufficy said. “Today, there are peace poles in more than 180 countries. Rotary places them in schools and public places so people can come quietly, reflect, pray, and be reminded of our shared desire for peace in the world.”

She said today’s gathering was about standing with those affected by violence and offering love and support in the face of tragedy.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg spoke more broadly about violence carried out in the name of religion.

“Far too many lives across the world have been lost in the name of God, and that is not what God would want,” he said. “Sadly, that has been our reality for a very long time.”

He also took time to acknowledge the role of police and emergency services, noting the risks they face daily.

“Every Australian deserves the right to go home to their family at the end of the day,” he said. “That right was taken from innocent people on Sunday, but our police face that danger every single day, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.”

Local MP Janelle Saffin said the ceremony was an important outward expression of support at a time when many in the community are hurting.

“It’s important that we come together as a community to wrap our arms around those who are affected,” Ms Saffin said. “Outward signs of support matter right now. People need to see and feel that they are not alone.”

She said the impact of the Bondi attack was being felt far beyond Sydney and that communities like Lismore had a role to play in responding with unity rather than division.

“Our response must be to come together, not to fracture further,” she said. “That’s how we make sure that hatred does not take hold, and that events like this are met with compassion, solidarity and resolve.”

As flowers were laid at the base of the Peace Pole, the mood remained quiet and reflective. In a city shaped by our resilience, the ceremony at the Lismore Peace Pole served as a reminder that even in moments of profound grief, people can come together in hope, care and a shared call for peace to prevail.