Good morning,
I don't feel like writing much this weekend, as we reflect on the tragic events that unfolded in New Zealand on Friday.
But I will repeat what I shared to our social media audience on Friday night:
Today (Friday) is a sad, sad day for New Zealand and those who were going about their day in their chosen place of worship. We stand with our Muslim friends across the globe, and send all affected by the devastating shootings our love and strength.
The Bendigo Advertiser has chosen not to publish vision of the shootings, which has been widely shared.
We urge you to make the same choice.
And we urge you not to be tempted to watch the vision. It is truly horrific. Don't share it. Don't give any more exposure to those who have taken the lives of innocent and peaceful people, or indeed any of the social media untruths spread by racist, hate-fuelled, violent people - they are the most dangerous. Just don't share the video - no good comes of that. Not for the victims, their families, those watching - or the wider community. And if you are someone who shares, likes or reinforces the rubbish that terrorists are from one particular group - stop and think. Terrorists are terrorists - and you are wrong. Today should be your light bulb moment - not that there should have ever needed to be one.
Our thoughts are with those affected - directly, or indirectly, by this horrific event.
We stand with them and for them.
But we must also focus on what is happening at a local level, and the positive events happening in our community:
The Bendigo Advertiser has 10 weekend passes to the Tiny House Festival - which will be held on March 23-24.
And here's more about what's happening: Tiny Houses come to Bendigo for festive fun
Enjoy your Sunday,
Nicole.
Nicole Ferrie, editor
