BREAKING: Sydney in Lockdown Chaos – ‘Restricted’ Zones Declared as Public Assemblies Banned Amid Fears of ‘Aggravating Fear and Divisiveness’
- NSW Police Commissioner Mal Layon activates new powers to ban public assemblies in South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan areas for two weeks
- Declaration can be extended fortnightly for up to three months, with any unauthorised gatherings considered ‘unlawful’
- Move comes after terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14 left 15 people dead, sparking widespread outrage and grief
- Community events, including annual Christmas lunch at Bondi Surf Club, go ahead despite ban, with organisers vowing to ‘shine a bright light’ and show ‘community is not who we are’
In a shocking move, the NSW Police Commissioner has banned public assemblies across large parts of Sydney, declaring three metropolitan areas ‘restricted’ from gatherings for two weeks. The drastic measure, which can be extended for up to three months, aims to prevent further ‘fear and divisiveness’ in the community, still reeling from the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14.
‘This is a time for community to come together and to show respect and courtesy. It’s not a time for large public assemblies and division,’ Commissioner Layon said in a statement. ‘We will continue working closely with the government and community leaders to ensure these laws are implemented in a way that strengthens safety and cohesion across our state.’
Despite the ban, community events are still going ahead, including the annual Christmas lunch at Bondi Surf Club, which drew up to 300 people. Lifesaver Sebastian Cassie, who started the initiative six years ago to serve the area’s rough sleepers, said the community was ‘hurting’ but determined to come together. ‘The message I got from the rabbis was that the only way to conquer any darkness that tried to tarnish our home is to put on events like this, that shine a bright light that as a community that’s not who we are.’
Mona, a volunteer at the event, echoed Cassie’s sentiments, saying it was more important than ever to ‘give back to other people’ and show that ‘as a community we stand together’. Meanwhile, a local resident told the ABC that she could feel a greater sense of community in the area, with people supporting each other in the wake of the tragedy.
The move to ban public assemblies has been met with mixed reactions, with some residents expressing disappointment and frustration. A family from London, spending their first Christmas in Australia, said they were expecting bigger crowds at Bondi Beach but found it subdued. Two friends visiting the beach for the first time blamed the ‘disappointing’ weather for the low attendance.