National Day of Mourning and Support for the Royal Commission

Published 22 January 2026

St Kilda Town Hall lit in white

The City of Port Phillip will observe the National Day of Mourning on 22 January 2026 for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. We extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving, and we stand with our community in reflection and remembrance.

Port Phillip is a proudly diverse municipality, and antisemitism has no place in our community.

On this National Day of Mourning, we acknowledge the deep distress caused by the attacks in Sydney on 14 December, as well as the recent antisemitic incidents within our own municipality. We stand in solidarity with Jewish community members who have been directly or indirectly affected. Our priority remains ensuring that everyone in Port Phillip feels safe, respected and included.

Members of the public are invited to observe one minute of silence on the National Day of Mourning to honour those impacted by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack at 7:01 PM. You are also encouraged to:

Come together, share a meal and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds on Thursday 22 January 2026
Leave a candle on your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community
Undertake one of more of the 15 suggested Mitzvah for Bondi.

Community members are also invited to sign the NSW Government's official online condolence book at this link - Online Condolence Book

To mark the day, flags across the municipality will be lowered to half‑mast and St Kilda Town Hall will be illuminated in white. Alongside other levels of Government, we invite community members to pause, reflect, and support one another during this time.

The Mayor has recently written to the Attorney‑General, Minister Michelle Rowland, welcoming the establishment of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The Commission provides an important opportunity for communities across Australia to work together to address rising antisemitism and to strengthen the foundations of social cohesion.

We continue to collaborate closely with Glen Eira City Council and other local governments to support a coordinated and constructive response, ensuring that local Jewish communities feel heard, supported and safe.

Our commitment to a safe and inclusive Port Phillip is ongoing. We will continue to advocate for the resources and actions needed to enhance community safety, address discrimination, and build cohesion across our neighbourhoods. We also value and encourage community‑led initiatives that bring people together with respect, empathy and care, as we work collectively toward a community where everyone feels they belong.