Victorians have turned out in force at mosques across the state to show solidarity with Muslims just days after a terrorist attack at Islamic places of worship in New Zealand.
Islamic Council of Victoria spokesman Adel Salman told AAP droves of people visited more than 20 mosques in a pre-organised annual statewide open day on Sunday.
"It was the biggest one we have had. It was overwhelming. Throughout the day we had a large attendance - it was fantastic," Mr Salman said after the event.
"People were genuinely wanting to show solidarity."
Bouquets of flowers piled up at the mosques as people made their way through to show support after the Islamic community was targeted in Christchurch on Friday.
"It is amazing it coincided with such an effort ... and we are able to begin the healing process," Mr Salman said.
The outpouring of support reiterated Premier Daniel Andrews' words that Victorians would not be cowed by an "evil" act of violence done by an alleged Australian terrorist.
"On Friday we saw terrible acts of terrorism, of hate, of evil," he said at the state's second-oldest mosque at Preston.
"The crowd assembled here today and in so many places across our city and state says to me that hope and harmony is always more powerful than hate and division."
Mr Andrews later told reporters the authorities took threats of right-wing extremism and threats to multiculturalism seriously, and intervened with de-radicalisation programs.
Islamic Society of Victoria president Tarek Khodr said people needed to remain united after Friday's attack.
"The terrorist attacks that happen, these are the works of individuals, they don't affect us, we get stronger, we unite when these things happen and we try our best to make things better."
Australian Associated Press
