THERE’S an old saying that when distressing events occur, you should look for the helpers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s about finding positives, when there are too many negatives – and it was a sentiment not lost on many locals on Saturday.
Our city centre was lost to ugliness for a few short hours – ugliness involving few locals, when you consider the numbers that turned out verses the population of our city.
It was ugliness that turned out to be unrelated to Bendigo and our new mosque, but a feud between two activist groups determined to silence the other.
You only had to turn to social media on Sunday to see both had indeed lost focus of why they were in Bendigo, and instead claiming ‘victory’ over the other.
But there were no winners on Saturday. While both groups were entitled to rally, each cast a dark shadow over our CBD.
We should condemn their hate-filled, violent speeches, their determination to silence the other, the darkness they brought to our streets - and now forget they were ever here.
Instead, let’s acknowledge the helpers – the men and women who make up Victoria Police.
A great deal of planning went into the day and the plan was perfectly executed.
The two groups were kept apart and, aside from a few minor incidents, the event was mostly free of physical violence.
Victoria Police deserves the highest of praise for keeping our city safe and controlling what could have been the mess we have previously seen when the two groups come together.
We must also acknowledge the role the City of Greater Bendigo and local CBD traders, who all played a part in ensuring public safety and protecting our public buildings.
The sadness is they were forced to do so.
As we move on from Saturday, let’s get behind those small businesses who were impacted by the events.
It’s a difficult time for anyone in small business, so during the next week maybe drop in for an extra coffee or bite to eat, or buy yourself that treat you have been keeping an eye on.
Let’s not see any further negative impact as a result of what took place in the heart of our great city.
- Nicole Ferrie, editor