When Moss Vale resident and member of the Muslim community Mazhar Alam watched coverage of the recent Christchurch mosque attack, he felt distressed by what was unfolding.
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"When I was watching the news I was literally gutted and crying," Mr Alam said.
"This kind of terrorism doesn't have any place in society.
"No one in this society will support this kind of action at all."
Mr Alam shared his thoughts at a vigil held at Bundanoon's Soldiers Memorial Hall late last week.
The vigil marked Harmony Day, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The event was also an opportunity for the Highlands community to show support and solidarity with the New Zealand people.
Mr Alam had several messages for people in the community.
"The first message is if someone is thinking Islam relates to terrorism, we're totally disconnected from those types of actions, we don't support them," he said.
"The second message is even if [terrorism] happens from a group or extremist, it doesn't come from a particular religion."
When Mr Alam finished addressing a crowd of about 200 people, he was met with overwhelming support.
"There was a massive support. When I ended my speech people were applauding me and they shook hands with me," he said.
"That was a feeling I can't share in words, it was fabulous."
The gathering also included a performance from the Bundanoon Sings choir, an activity led by Petrea King from the Quest for Life Centre, an address from Exeter Public School year six student Alice West, and New Zealander and Bundanoon resident Christine Cassin.
Indigenous leader and 2018 Wingecarribee Citizen of the Year Aunty Wendy Lotter and Anglican church leader Reverend Jeremy Tonks addressed the crowd and shared their insights.
The response to the Christchurch terror attack is ongoing.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a royal commission into the events leading up to the Christchurch terror attack on Monday.
The focus of the commission will be on whether more could have been done to stop the perpetrator of the attack.
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