The Hills Shire Council has illuminated its atrium, at its Norwest Administration building, in the tricolours of the Indian national flag in a show of support and hope for the nation, as it continues its battle with the crippling COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month, India surpassed 300,000 reported deaths from COVID-19 and recorded the largest daily death toll for any country during the pandemic.
"It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the situation unfolding in India," Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said.
"The Hills Shire is home to many people of Indian descent. In fact, according to Census data, 3.6 per cent of our population was born in India, making this the second largest non-English speaking country of birth in the region.
"This also means many of our residents have been impacted or know someone who is suffering directly from COVID-19," Mayor Byrne added.
Mayor Byrne recently attended an event raising funds for COVID-19 relief in India and was touched by the tragic stories she heard.
"COVID-19 is crippling the Indian nation. We've illuminated our atrium to show our support and send a message of hope to our residents and their families and friends back home in India," Mayor Byrne said.
"We want them to know we are thinking of them and keeping them in our prayers," she added.
Councillor Reena Jethi said her heart absolutely aches to see India suffering.
"It doesn't matter what your background, culture or religion is - we've all been impacted by the stories and news of COVID-19 in India," Clr Jethi said.
"The images of patients suffering and losing their battle to the virus, and the subsequent impact on families and friends, is just agonising. I've spoken to many in our local Indian diaspora community who have been affected by this pandemic, and they are feeling powerless to help. And there's also a lack of closure felt, with many unable to say their goodbyes in person.
"Illuminating the atrium means so much to me, and I know it will be a shining beacon of hope for the Indian diaspora community and the people of India.
"We stand in solidarity with our Indian brothers and sisters, and we know there will be a light at the end of this very dark time," Clr Jethi added.
