The Bendigo Community Health Services Board of Directors, CEO and staff condemn the horrific attacks on innocent people in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in so many precious lives lost, hundreds more injured and communities traumatised.

Board Chair Geoff Bowyer extended “our deepest sympathies to all people from all cultures that lost family and friends''.

CEO Gerard José said: “We reject all forms of violence, all acts of terrorism, and we stand for the right of all people to worship and gather together safely."

"Our thoughts are with members of the Sri Lankan community in Bendigo and we stand with them at this terrible time in history.

"We also understand how such terrible and violent acts can trigger grief related to past events and we support all people in our community, especially in times of significant trauma.”

If you notice family or friends exhibiting unusual symptoms such as numbness, denial or shock; traumatic stress reactions such as flashbacks and nightmares; significant grief reactions to loss; anger, despair, sadness or hopelessness – please contact your GP, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Bendigo Community Health Services on 5448 1600.

Thank you.