Queanbeyan has joined in to show support for Paris, and the world, in the aftermath of the devastating terror attacks which killed at least 129 people.
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On Saturday morning, November 14, Australians awoke to the breaking news of the terror unfolding in France’s capital.
Seven coordinated attacks took place across Paris including at an international friendly soccer game, a music concert and outdoor cafes.
Attacks also took place in Beirut, with a double suicide bombing ripping through the bustling city markets where more than 40 people were killed.
The events pulled at heartstrings across the world, as people watched the madness unfolding. In solidarity and to show compassion for the people of the deadly attacks, landmarks all over the world lit up in red, white and blue.
Following a request via social media, mayor Tim Overall gave the direction for Queanbeyan’s main street trees to shine take on the colours.
“The coloured lighting of the trees has only been in place now for a period of months,” Cr Overall said.
“This is the first opportunity to show our solidarity and while it is the French colours, it represents the city’s compassion for countries across the world experiencing similar events to those in Paris.”
YOUR SAY
Sid Jose, of Crestwood, said:
Its quite terrible what happened. I do feel bad that something that is beautiful, like religion, has been used in a very degrading way. Or people are attributing it to some sort of extreme religious views, I feel bad about that side of things.
Its beautiful that Qbn in itself is standing up for something like this and bringing up its voice to say that were against such radical views.
In australia its a huge melting pot of cultures, it's beautiful that anyone from any religion, any culture can still feel australian.
thats something which is beautiful about it. when i see these lights, thats what comes to my mind. Australia is all for solidarity and against such evils.
Franca Jones, of Queanbeyan, said:
It’s entirely appropriate, its nice to think a little town like Queanbeyan is so supportive.
The opera house did it and the rest of the world did it, so for a little town we always step up when we have to so we’re pretty wrapped.
Thirty of us from Qbn went to the Rugby World Cup and our last three days were spent in paris. We were there right at the plaza republica, thats wehre we stayed. Unfortuntely my brother in law took ill and he was over tehre for three weeks in hospital. unbelieably was able to fly out three hours before the bombings and the gun shots.
he was very blessed to get out. its very close to home to think we were tehre three weeks ago, and what can we do but just upsport them. For a little town like queanbeyan its pretty awesome.