FOR the second time in as many months, the community has banded together in support of a nation dealing with the aftermath of an atrocity.
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More than 200 people gathered at Bendigo's St Paul's Cathedral in March after a gunman opened fire on worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 50 people.
Further vigils in Castlemaine and at the Strathdale Community Centre attracted more than a hundred people each.
This evening, an estimated 180 people attended a service of lament for those killed and injured in bombings in and around the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on Easter Sunday.
Almost 360 people died and about 500 people were injured in the attacks, which targeted a number of churches and high-end hotels.
An Australian mother and her 10-year-old daughter were among those killed.
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The dean of St Paul's Cathedral, the Very Reverend Elizabeth Dyke, said those in attendance at this evening's service stood together for peace and respect, and met in solidarity for those who had been killed or injured.
Bendigo mayor Margaret O'Rourke echoed her message, during her address.
"To all our Sri Lankan residents, Greater Bendigo stands with you," Cr O'Rourke said.
"We have, sadly, done this too often in recent times.
"There is no place in this world for such horrific acts of violence."
Monsignor Frank Marriott, of the Bendigo Interfaith Council, said the attacks in Sri Lanka were 'an horrendous crime against humanity'.
He said the community must endeavour to conquer ignorance and hate with love.
"Violence only begets more violence," the monsignor said.
He urged those with family and friends in Sri Lanka to pass on Bendigo's messages of support
Attendees had an opportunity to light a candle during the service, which ran from 6pm.
The Sri Lankan Fellowship in Bendigo has arranged a second vigil, 'Pray for Sri Lanka', from 2.30pm on Sunday at the Atisha Buddhist Centre, within the grounds of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
About 60 - 80 families are attached to the fellowship.
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