THE man who moved members of Warrnambool's Muslim community to tears was humbled to hear about the impact his simple gesture had.
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Ghulam Khanyari, leader of the Warrnambool Islamic Society, called for the man who hand-delivered flowers to the city's Mussala on Saturday to come forward in an article in Monday's edition of The Standard.
Denis Fitzpatrick said he was surprised to read the article.
"I am the man who brought flowers to the Warrnambool Musalla on Saturday morning," he said.
"That same Saturday morning I swam across the Warrnambool bay and had coffee with my swim buddies. This usually leaves me in an invigorated and happy state of mind. Last Saturday was different. Because of the tragedy in Christchurch, I felt my heart had been transplanted with a brick."
Mr Fitzpatrick wondered what type of small gesture he could make to members of the Muslim community.
"A Google search located the small Musalla in the Warrnamboool industrial estate," he said.
"As I approached the office-like centre, two small children were by the door. A woman, who I now know as Amina, came with understandable apprehension to the door."
However, the sight of flowers seemed to reassure her, Mr Fitzpatrick said.
"I explained that there was no card, as words would not convey my feelings of sadness. Ours was a brief exchange, but quite moving."
Mr Fitzpatrick, a grandparent, said he wondered how parents, teachers and clergy could interpret these appalling events to children.
"Do the persons who articulate hate speech have no significant others in their lives? Do they not have children, nephews, nieces or the children of friends?"
Mr Fitzpatrick said he hopes most Australian residents have moved ahead of politicians when it comes to multiculturalism.
"Some politicians have only realised this and are now scrambling to make up ground," he said.
"These same politicians have railed against multiculturalism and 'dog whistled' to the haters and the fearful by being vague about their stance on certain issues by using coded language."
He said many were also expressing their religious values.
"I wonder how they will explain their actions - or inaction - to their children and grandchildren?
"Some people have placed flowers on the village green and found it quite emotional. I hope that many people will show their wishes for a better Australia by adding a card or flowers to the site."
Mr Fitzpatrick said despite Mr Khanyari's kind words, he was no angel.
"My flowers were a simple gesture expressing my respect for humanity with its understanding, sympathy, tolerance and dignity," he said.
Mr Fitzpatrick visited the Musalla on Monday night and met with a number of members of the Muslim community.
"It was great," Mr Khanyari said.
"It shows are there are good people in the world."
