Statement from the Mayor - Blacktown City honours Faraz Tahir

Statement from the Mayor - Blacktown City honours Faraz Tahir

Published on 24 April 2024

Statement from Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM

Blacktown City honours Faraz Tahir and the victims of Bondi Junction and Wakeley

In recent weeks we have all been shocked and saddened by horrific attacks that occurred in different parts of Sydney, including Bondi Junction, Wakeley, Doonside and Marayong.

The events that unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday 13 April 2024 claimed seven lives and left many injured.

Just two days later, a similarly unprovoked attack at a church in Wakeley left multiple people injured and prompted a riot.

Across Sydney, we grieved for the victims and their loved ones. In Blacktown City, the Council flew flags at half-mast as a sign of respect to those we lost.

At Bondi Junction, Blacktown City joined with other Sydney councils to offer our community's condolences to Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos and lay a wreath at the tribute site.

One victim at Bondi Junction was an active member of the Blacktown City community, 30-year-old security officer Faraz Tahir.

He had come to Australia only last year, seeking refuge from his native Pakistan. By all accounts, Faraz embraced his adopted country.

Faraz was a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community at the Baitul Huda Mosque at Marsden Park.

He did more than worship at the mosque. He volunteered his time for a Muslim youth organisation to foster social connections and helped keep young people on track.

Faraz was known for his dedication and kindness, and showed that dedication and concern for others when he tried to stop the attacker as part of his security officer role.

The Ahmadiyya community will celebrate the life of Faraz Tahir at a service on Friday 26 April.

Faraz was part of the Blacktown City community for a relatively short time, but set an example for how we can all make a positive contribution.

International Day of Mourning

Council will be joined by Imam Kauser, and the leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, at our International Day of Mourning on Sunday 28 April 2024 at Blacktown Showground.

Each year this annual event commemorates those who have lost their lives or been injured at work.

Tragically, Faraz Tahir's name has been added to the long list of workers who have been killed or injured just doing their job.

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