Josh McMahon |
A wave of angry anti-media sentiment has swept the Clarence Valley, in response to coverage of the New Zealand mosque massacre.
Former Grafton man Brenton Tarrant, aged 28, is alleged to have gunned down a crowd of worshipers gathered at two Christchurch mosques for prayers, killing 50 and injuring many more.
Journalists immediately began phoning the Clarence Valley school where Tarrant’s mother was teaching, unaware of what had happened. Media from around the world swarmed Grafton, staking out the family’s home in a relentless effort to secure comment and footage.
Media showed images of where the alleged gunman’s mother lived, described in detail the location of his elderly grandmother’s home, and revealed their names and the name of his sister who also lives in the area.
The Clarence Valley Independent made an ethical decision not to pursue comment from the family, nor to publish their names or identify where they live.
The Independent invited community members to express their views or feelings through several local forums on Facebook. Repeatedly locals expressed their anger at the media’s behaviour, urging outlets to “leave the family alone”. Some directed their anger personally at the Independent’s journalist, using terms such as “heartless vulture”, “irresponsible”, and “piece of sh-t”.
Other media attempting to use local social media forums to seek community views were met with similar comments.
Meanwhile, religious leaders of various denominations invited Clarence community members to gather for a united prayer vigil at the Christ Church Cathedral in Grafton on Monday night.
Others have also reached out to the victims and their families. A high-profile billboard outside CHS Training in Bent Street South Grafton states, “He does not represent us; prayers for NZ”.
Clarence Valley councillor Richie Williamson stated that, “what happened in Christchurch, that is not us”.
“An attack on New Zealand is an attack on us all. Today in Grafton the mood is one of heartbreak, sorrow and disbelief, we all stand with the people of New Zealand…” he said.