'Can't allow terrorism to triumph': Regional Victorian faith leaders unite

Ballarat Anglican Church dean Father Michael Davies said the city had a particularly strong interfaith community who regularly come together to celebrate events and support each other in times of need.

Father Davies, like so many others, was "completely shocked, gobsmacked" at the events that unfolded in eastern Sydney.

"Here is a Jewish community, ... gathering on the first day of Hanukkah which is a celebration, a festival of the return of the light to the temple in Jerusalem 200 years before Christ thereabouts," he said.

"It's the juxtaposition of such horror with a celebration of light and faith. The way it happened was just horrific."

Father Davies said Anglicans in Ballarat would hold the Jewish community in their prayers.

At the daily midday Eucharist service, a moment's silence will be held each day this week.

And at a planned candlelight Remembering Love with Love vigil service tomorrow night, which is designed for those who find Christmas challenging, Father Davies said they would "hold space to remember the Jewish community in the wake of this terrible, horrific tragedy".

Father Davies expected all faith communities in Ballarat would put their arms around the local Jewish community.

"Everywhere I've been there's been a strong interfaith community and I think it's particularly strong here. It's commendable what Ballarat does because we have a very strong interfaith network," he said.

"Refugee Week, Harmony Week, there are a couple of occasions where we get together, not only the different churches and different denominations, but the interfaith groups."

Catholic Vicar General the Reverend Marcello Colasante said while the shooting on Sunday night was a direct attack on the Jewish community, the impact of the horrific event rippled through the entire community.

"There's a communal anger at what has taken place," he said.

"In faith and in prayer we turn to our God and offer our prayerful support for all members of the Jewish community, their family and friends, and the community profoundly affected by what has happened in the hope something will change."

Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird said he had spoken to Ballarat Hebrew Congregation president John Abraham to offer his support.

And he encouraged Catholic congregations throughout the diocese to remember the Jewish community in their prayers over the coming days.

Ballarat's cathedrals were open for visitors of all faiths to come in and reflect.

"Often what happens is people do stop and go to a church or something and just sit in silence, possibly even light a candle and ponder on the impact (and event) has had," Father Colasante said.

"It's not just business as usual, it's good that we do stop and take account of what has happened.

"Rightly or wrongly, we sometimes think terrorism is something that happens elsewhere but now it's happened here.

"We can't allow terrorism to triumph. We must ensure that we rise above and keep everybody safe."