A Sydney church in the suburb where five people were murdered at the weekend has appealed for prayer and understanding as the community comes to terms with the tragedy.
Community groups came together last night at All Saints Anglican Church, North Epping, which is close to the home where local newsagent Min Lin, his wife Irene, two sons and sister-in-law were killed.
The meeting was addressed by All Saint’s minister, the Rev Roger Green, counsellors, police and local Federal MP Maxine McKew.
“This is a close-knit community, rather like a country town in the middle of the city. Locals are very shaken. They are stunned by how it could happen here, by the graphic nature of the crime and by the fact that no-one has yet been apprehended. That creates a level of insecurity and alarm,” says Mr Green.
Mr Green says it was important to help community members and those who knew the family through the newsagency.
“People who had a relationship with the family either through the newsagency, in the schoolroom or just in the park down the road, we are feeling the loss of five lives.”
Mr Green says the community also decided to start a fund for the only surviving member of the family, 15-year-old Brenda, who was overseas at the time.
“Our hearts go out to this young girl who desperately needs our prayers and support. You can only imagine what she is going through.”
The community fund is being run through the Bendigo Bank at North Epping. It is called the Brenda Lin Support Fund. People can donate at the branch or through bank transfer to BSB number 633-000 and Account Number 137-615-498.