The stabbing of two police officers, and subsequent shooting death of an alleged jihadist in Melbourne last month, followed Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s support of military action against Islamic State in Iraq.
Closer to home, children and parents at a Harris Park Maronite Catholic school were verbally abused by Muslim youths as they drove by. An arrest has been made over that incident.
In the wake of renewed fears of attacks outside and in the Muslim community, leaders and police have been quick to come up with a strategy.
A key plank of the strategy is to work with young people at risk of becoming radicalised.
President of the Parramatta Islamic Association said he and other Muslim leaders “strongly condemn” any “radical movement” within the Muslim community or backlash against Muslims.
Mr Kadomi said one of the suggestions was that there be a camp where young people could engage with police, to build up trust.
“The media has not helped in making a big deal out of what is happening,” Mr Kadomi said. “There should be more TV programs that show Muslims in a positive light.”
Mr Kadomi said Muslims had been insulted on the streets since Islamic State issued its call for its followers to attack non-Muslims in US- allied countries, although there had been no reports of serious injury.
He joined police in calling for calm in the Muslim and non-Muslim community.
Parramatta crime manager Detective Inspector Steve Yap said people should be “alert but not alarmed” when out and about.
“People should be aware of their surroundings, which is what should happen at any time, and they should report any suspicious activity,” Det Insp Yap said.
Other than extra police from Operation Hammerhead on Parramatta streets, it was “business as usual” for the command.
He said the meeting with community groups had been fruitful and meetings would be ongoing.
He urged people to stay calm and said any attacks in or against the Muslim community “would not be tolerated”.
