The Sutherland Shire is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming community and has been for decades. Cronulla is a popular destination where locals and visitors alike enjoy cultural, sporting and leisure pursuits. People from all over Sydney and all walks of life are welcome to enjoy the Bate Bay coastline and all it has to offer. Our beaches, parks, playgrounds, shops and restaurants are there for everyone to share and enjoy.
The events of December 2005 were a few dark days that are now years in the past. At the time only a small minority of Shire locals were involved. I speak on behalf of the people of the Shire when I say that we do not support or condone racism or violence in Sutherland Shire.
I am determined that we will take a positive, considered and calm approach. And whilst we do support the right for free speech, we do not support or intend to give oxygen to hate speech.
However the underlying issues behind the disturbances in 2005 and incitement for hatred that is still occurring today are not confined to Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire. They are issues we face on a much greater scale around the country and across the globe. It is our mission to take the lessons we learned in 2005 and build on those today and into the future. I am determined that we will take a positive, considered and calm approach. And whilst we do support the right for free speech, we do not support or intend to give oxygen to hate speech.
Since 2005 a lot has been achieved to build on the positive aspects of our community and relationships developed with other communities in Sydney. Immediately after mid-December 2005 Council, police and community leaders worked together on a number of initiatives:
- A lifeguard program called 'On the Same Wave' encouraging young people from PCYC Clubs in Western Sydney to learn about the beach and lifeguard training;
- Sutherland Shire’s Youth Council worked with the Youth Council at Bankstown on a 'peace train' event, and other initiatives;
- Harmony Day events every year;
- Fiesta multicultural events in Dunningham Park, Cronulla;
- Sponsored the ‘Growing Peace’ community forum held by Affinity Intercultural Foundation.
In addition to this, Council’s own Beach Education Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having assisted more than 100,000 students from the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney to learn about beach safety and surf awareness.
We will not be marking the anniversary of the events of 11 December 2005 in any way. It is and will be business as usual in Cronulla where we will welcome people to come and visit
Council has always had a strong working relationship with local police and over the past 10 years we have worked to strengthen these further and improve safety in Cronulla and across Sutherland Shire. Measures taken include installing extra lighting and CCTV, developing youth outreach programs and employing community relations officers.
Community safety is at the forefront of all of Council’s actions and we will continue to work closely with the police. We will not be marking the anniversary of the events of 11 December 2005 in any way. It is and will be business as usual in Cronulla where we will welcome people to come and visit to enjoy what we have to offer. We refuse to tolerate violence and racism. This is a time of year when peace and goodwill is in abundance. As a community we need to come together, support each other and remember that.
Cr Carmelo Pesce is the Mayor of Sutherland Shire Council.
Watch SBS's award-winning documentary 'Cronulla Riots: The Day That Shocked the Nation' on SBS2 Thursday 9.30pm and now.
