As we mark the 5th remembrance of the March 15 terrorist attacks, we acknowledge that it has been a tough and challenging time for the survivors, victims’ families, witnesses and all whose lives have changed forever since then.
In solidarity with the Christchurch Muslim community and local emergency services, we collaborated with the New Zealand Police Ethnic Partnerships Team to host the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Southern Command Liaison Team (CLT) during their visit to Christchurch in September 2023.
The ceremony, held at the Christchurch Art Gallery and co-organised by our Ministry and New Zealand Police, was an occasion to present the families of victims and the Christchurch community with a handmade mosaic artwork. It was also an opportunity for the Christchurch communities and emergency first response services to get together.
Recipients of the mosaics included the two mosques (Linwood Islamic Centre and Masjid Alnoor), representatives of the bereaved and injured members of the Muslim community, and representatives from the New Zealand Police, St John, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Crafted over two years, including during COVID-19 lockdowns, the mosaics became a collective effort involving hundreds of Australians, including AFP and emergency service members. The mosaic pieces allowed community members from different faiths and ethnicities to contribute to the project.
The Mosaic artwork became a tangible representation of unity and solidarity between communities across borders.
Watch this inspiring video about the Mosaics journey: Christchurch Mosaic Project 2021
More information about the project is available here: AFP honours Christchurch community and local emergency services | Australian Federal Police
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Photos from the Christchurch ceremony on 20 September 2023.
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