There were handshakes and smiles as political and faith leaders gathered to recognise Australia's diversity and launch the national day of unity.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Greens leader Richard Di Natale met with the grand mufti of Australia and other community representatives at Parliament House on Tuesday.
"We are the most successful multicultural society in the world ... nobody else has done it as well as this," Mr Turnbull told the congregation of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu representatives and MPs.
Less than a fortnight after the fatal shooting of a NSW police accountant by a 15 year old, Mr Turnbull said it was a reminder about how important it is that groups work together.
"That murder was an assault, not just on Curtis Cheng ... but it was seeking to undermine the unity and the values that keep us united.
"We answer them best by being strong and resolute in our unity and that is what we are saying today."
Mr Shorten described the gathering as timely, saying we've seen the best and worst of our nation over the past month.
Senator Di Natale's heart was singing when he saw all the attendees.
"Let's use today as an affirmation to say that this is why the nation that we love, that we enjoy, is such a great place to live and long may it continue," he said.
The unity day initiative, organised by the Lebanese Muslim Association and Welcome to Australia group, is designed to encourage mutual respect between people of all backgrounds.
The association's president Samier Dandan said they must encourage and educate their communities about mutual respect.
The day will be followed up by the national mosque open day and the welcome to Australia walk together on October 31.
