It warms my heart to know in the midst of a tragedy, we - in Wagga Wagga - can stand side by side in solidarity, kindness and compassion.

Tonight we did just that...

Speaking to a sea of candlelight in Victory Memorial Gardens, I felt a strong sense of pride. Tonight, hundreds gathered to show support and pray for those mourning and suffering in the wake of the New Zealand tragedy.

Coming together in peace and love is how we must always respond to such acts of violence and hate. This is what defines us as a community.

Thank you to all who came along to the vigil. Our thoughts continue to be with our trans-Tasman brothers and sisters affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.