Flags in the Orange Civic Orange were flown at half-mast this week in the wake of the terrible tragedy at Bondi Beach.

Australians are mourning the loss of at least 15 lives, with many more wounded, in a terrorist attack by two gunmen at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14. The attack took place during a local Hanukkah event in Bondi, attended by hundreds of members of the Jewish community. 10-year-old girl is among the confirmed victims, and 27 people remain in hospital with injuries.

Responding to the tragic events on Monday morning, Orange Mayor Tony Mileto invited Orange residents who want to pay their respects to those killed to lay flowers at the flag poles outside the Civic Centre in Byng Street.

“In the face of such horrific actions words can seem inadequate and nothing we can say today will change what is a dark day for Australia,” Cr Mileto said.

“There are Australians who will be feeling incomprehensible pain today after losing family and loved ones. What happened at Bondi was aimed at dividing us. In time I think it will have the opposite effect.

“There may be residents in Orange who wish to make a gesture in memory of those who we have lost. They are welcome to lay flowers at the flagpoles in Byng Street which are flying at half-mast.”

Along with flowers, Orange residents have left messages of condemnation of the attack as well as expressing hope for a better future.

"Segregation lives in history, not the future," reads one of the messages. "Nothing good will ever come from hatred," states another.

Local church leaders have been united in condemning the attack and offering condolences and support to those affected.

"The horrific shootings and killings at the Hanukkah festival in Bondi last night have shocked and disturbed all of us. For our Jewish brothers and sisters, it is a deep and alarming blow," Bishop of Bathurst Michael McKenna said in a statement on Monday.

"The menace of antisemitism, here and now, is plain to see. Tonight, I will offer Mass in our Cathedral for everyone affected, directly and indirectly, by this tragedy. Let us ask God to show us the paths of fraternity and peace."

For those distressed and struggling to come to terms with the tragic events, Lifeline has created dedicated support resources to help people cope during this difficult time, which can be found at www.lifeline.org.au

The NSW Government has also established an online condolence book where community members can leave messages of condolence, support, and unity: www.nsw.gov.au/bondibeachattack

In the wake of the attack, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for donations, particularly O-negative donors, whose blood is in demand during emergencies.

There has been a huge outpouring of support in response and many donor centres may be experiencing long wait times, says Lifeblood, who have urged people to be patient and book ahead over the coming days and weeks as there is always a great need for blood products over the holiday season.