Christmas unity, with a stirring warning: Bishop speaks plainly after Bondi Massacre
Senior religious and civic leaders across the Northern Rivers have delivered Christmas messages urging unity and compassion, but with an unusually blunt edge following the Bondi attack.
The Catholic Bishop of Lismore, Greg Homeming, issued a stirring warning, directly condemning antisemitism and stating that recent events did not reflect the Australia he knew.
The message followed the Bishop’s highly visible public stand alongside Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and the local Jewish community at a large Chanukah gathering in Byron Bay last week.
There he also delivered a moving address, where he spoke of light overcoming darkness and was met with sustained applause.
Importantly, similar concerns have also been echoed locally by Ballina’s Anglican leadership, with the Anglican rector Cathy Ridd also referencing the Bondi attack and warning against the spread of darkness through words and actions.
Other civic leaders and federal MPs joined the call for compassion, resilience and community strength during a difficult festive season.
Their messages are published in full below.
Gregory Homeming- Catholic Bishop of Lismore
December is always a month in which Jews and Christians rejoice in the Festival of Light. For Jewish communities, it is the feast of Hanukkah, and for us it is Christmas. As such, both communities greet each other with Happy Hanukkah or Merry Christmas. This year, it is different. On Sunday, 14 December 2025, the terrible Bondi Massacre occurred as Jewish people were celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. This was a heinous attack on the Jewish people in Australia.
I join with so many other religious and community leaders in rejecting what is happening in Australia. This is not the Australia that I was born in.
Christmas is a time in which we remember the love of God made manifest in a small baby born into poverty. I pray, that as we celebrate Christmas, this child may bring peace to anguished hearts and friendship between peoples. Let us not allow hatred and evil to overcome goodness and love.
In wishing you a Merry Christmas, I ask you to reach out to all in need and, in particular, to all who may be suffering as a consequence of the Bondi Massacre.
The Catholic Bishop of Lismore, Reverend Gregory Homeming
Main Photo – Bishop Greg alongside Mayor Sharon Cadwallader at last week’s Chanukah celebration in Byron Bay
The Reverend Cathy Ridd -in ‘angel mode’ herself – helping feed the needy at the new Saturday barbecue launched by St Mary’s Anglican Church in July this year
Cathy Ridd – Anglican Rector, Ballina and Lennox Head
This has been a year of many ups and downs. The last two weeks have been especially difficult for us as a nation.
The news of a terrorist attack in Bondi reverberated across the country.
When I look back over the last weeks, and in fact over the whole year, it seems like some people want to bring darkness, whether it is in their words or in their actions.
But as I looked over the past year I realised something else. I have met some angels.
You may have met some too. You just might not have realised they were angels.
When you imagine an angel you probably think of a creature with wings, maybe even a halo.
But mostly, that’s not what angels are like. Mostly, angels are ordinary people – no wings, no halo. And so we might not notice these angels in disguise, unless we’re paying attention.
Here’s a hint on how to spot an angel in disguise: look for the people who shine a light when there is hate and or when things seem dark.
We only have to look at the events of the last couple of weeks to notice angels in disguise: the ones who were helping, rescuing, giving of themselves.
They shone a light in a place where there was hate and darkness.
Our own community is full of angels in disguise. You might not notice them straight away. So, be on the lookout for them – look for the people who bring light and love.
At Christmas we celebrate the coming of light and love in a new way, in the birth of a baby called Jesus.
Jesus said we should treat other people as we ourselves want to be treated.
He taught that we should love other people – even the people who are not like us.
I suppose you could say that Jesus taught us how to be angels in disguise, in small acts of love and kindness.
In a world where some people want to bring darkness and hate, be a person who brings light and love. Be an angel in disguise.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
Sharon Cadwallader – Mayor, Ballina Shire Council
At this special time of year we’re reminded of the heart of Christmas — a season that calls us back to hope, peace and love.
The Christmas story begins in humility: a child born not into power or privilege, but into simplicity and grace. And from that small beginning came a message that still speaks to us today — that kindness matters, that compassion changes lives, and that light can be found even in the darkest moments.
Christmas invites us to slow down, to be grateful for the people around us, and to open our hearts a little wider — to our neighbours, to those doing it tough, and to those who may feel alone at this time of year.
It’s a reminder that we are at our best when we care for one another.
As Mayor, I am deeply thankful for the spirit of this community — a spirit of generosity, resilience and togetherness that shines brightly all year, but especially at Christmas.
May the joy we share this Christmas carry into our homes and into the year ahead.
May this season bring peace to your hearts, strength to your families, and hope for the future.
Mayor Sharon and ‘the Consort’ Bruce Cadwallader in Christmas mode
Justine Elliot attending the annual ‘lighting the Christmas tree’ at St Andrew’s Byron Lodge
Justine Elliot -Federal Member for Richmond
Christmas is such a special time of year when families, friends, neighbours, and communities come together to celebrate the festive season.
Thank you to the dedicated volunteers, community groups, organisations, businesses and all the people who have worked to make our community even better throughout the year.
Thank you also to those who will be working over the holiday period and please remember to be extra kind to those on the front lines – retail and service staff, police and emergency services, and everyone who’s spending their holidays working in our community.
I’m also thinking of those who can’t be with loved ones this year and those who are facing challenging times this season.
As your local MP you can always count on me to be here for you and your family.
In the new year I look forward to keeping on working with everyone across the North Coast to get better outcomes for our community.
Kevin Hogan – Federal Member for Page
On this special and holy day of Christmas, it’s a time to reflect and appreciate our community.
Christmas reminds us of the birth of Jesus, bringing light and hope to the world. It is a time to share, to give, and to gather with family and friends.
It has been a big year for our region. From the community petition calling for flood modelling to reduce the impact of future floods across the Richmond River catchment, to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport celebrating 20 years partnership with Jetstar, and the NSW State Croquet Championships hosted here in the Northern Rivers. There is much to recognise and celebrate.
To the volunteers, emergency services and workers who are spending today sacrificing time with their families, thank you. What you do matters, and we are grateful for your generosity and commitment.
Our nation and our communities have faced a lot of heartache and sadness this year. But through it all, we’ve seen strength, kindness, and resilience. As we look to 2026, let’s hope for a year filled with unity, kindness, and community spirit for the future.
There is truly no place I’d rather be than right here in our beautiful Northern Rivers. We live in a very special place.
As we celebrate today, I hope you find time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the company of those you love. May this Christmas bring you peace and joy, and may the New Year ahead be filled with happiness and new opportunities.
The annual Hogan family Christmas photo for 2025
