On Sunday, more than 20 mosque and Islam centers in Victoria held their annual public opening day. As a result of the mosque attacks in New Zealand on the 15th, thousands of non-Muslim Victorians took part in the day's event to express their condolences and support.
Hundreds of people visited the West Melbourne headquarters of the Islam Council of Victoria, including officials from government at all levels, according to the Sun Herald.
Board President Moshiden (Mohamed Mohideen) says public support has moved Islam believers.
"it gives us a lot of courage and confidence," he said. "the most important thing is that it is a healing process."
"the response from people in the community is warm. I met a woman who took four hours to come here. It was so touching. People are expressing their goodwill. "
One Muslim Wassam (Suaad Warsame) says it's exciting for non-Muslim people to come to mosque to learn about Islam.
"people came to support us, showing that we are United, that we are not isolated and bear it alone."
Beck (Kara Baker), a New Zealander who has lived in Australia for more than 40 years, said she felt obliged to visit a mosque, "just to show up and tell them,'I'm by your side.'"
On Friday, a terrorist attack on two mosque sites in Christchurch, New Zealand, resulted in gunman Burlentalanta (Brenton Tarrant) firing semi-automatic rifle at worshiping Muslim believers. So far, the death toll has risen to 50, and about 50 others have been injured.
Australian Prime Minister Morrison called Tarant a "right-wing extremist and violence's terrorist."
Victoria police chief Ashton (Graham Ashton) said the state police have stepped up surveillance of known extremists.
"We are monitoring a group of people who are associated with politically motivated extremism and potential violence," he said. "in the wake of Friday's events, we have stepped up surveillance of the far-right wing of the state."
