Lake Macquarie lights mima blue and white in solidarity with Bondi shooting victims

newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie’s Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, has been lit blue and white as Lake Macquarie City Council offered support to Waverley Council following Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney’s east.

NSW Police said 16 people died and 40 were injured when two men opened fire into crowds at Bondi Beach about 6.40pm on Sunday 14 December 2025, with the NSW Police Commissioner deeming the incident terror related and the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team taking the lead on the investigation.

The lighting display was switched on at the pavilion at Speers Point Park, on the shores of Lake Macquarie, as a public show of solidarity.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the council had offered staff and resources to Waverley Council to assist with the recovery effort. “Shockwaves from such a horrendous act of violence reverberate far and wide, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted in Bondi and the Waverley Council area,” he said.

“This is a time to reflect on who we are, what we stand for and the values that make Australia such a special place to live. That means offering a helping hand whenever we can,” Shultz said.

Council staff will be given the opportunity this week to donate blood during work hours, after NSW Premier Chris Minns urged people wanting to help in a practical way to give blood. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has appealed for donations, including O negative blood, to support hospitals treating the injured.

Waverley Council has urged the public to stay away from the beach and surrounding areas while emergency services respond, and said it would provide updates as more information becomes available.

Shultz said the latest tragedy came after a difficult start to the summer, with bushfires earlier this month destroying homes on the Central Coast. “It has been an extremely difficult couple of weeks – first with the bushfires that destroyed homes on the Central Coast, and now with this unspeakable tragedy in Bondi,” he said.

NSW Police said anyone with information about the attack should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, while information about extremist activity or possible threats can be reported to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.