Bathurst-based Imam Soliman Gilany said the rest of Australia could learn from the region’s example of living together peacefully.

The founder of the Central West Mosque said he has lived in Bathurst for the past 20 years, and in that time has not experienced one single incident of racism, intolerance, or persecution.

There are around 200 Muslim families living in Bathurst and Orange.

“Country people tend to be more tolerant of each other,” Mr Gilany said.

“I wish the rest of Australia would learn some manners from the people of the central west.

“Here we live as one family. We are all Australians.”

Mr Gilany said the Muslim community condemns the actions of Man Haron Monis who held 17 people hostage in Sydney’s central business district for more than 17 hours this week.

The siege at the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place ended around 2.30am yesterday when police stormed the coffee shop.

Two hostages - barrister and mother of three Katrina Dawson and Lindt Cafe manager Tori Johnson - died in the siege, along with the gunman.

Mr Gilany yesterday described Monis as a man with serious mental health issues whose actions were the complete opposite of the teachings of Islam - a man who had hijacked their religion. 

“This person had no understanding of our religion. If he did, he would not have done this thing,” Mr Gilany said 

“A Muslim knows that if you kill one person you have killed all humanity.

“Islam says treat everyone with kindness.

“This man used the dress of a Muslim cleric, but he was not a cleric. He was a lunatic.” 

Mr Gilany, himself a father of four, said the death of the two hostages was heartbreaking. 

“I think of those kids waiting for their mummy to come home and it breaks my heart,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.