25 September, 2015

Bowraville memorial a place of healing and reflection

Bowraville Local Aboriginal Land Council is partnering with the NSW Government on a new memorial to remember the lives of three children who were murdered in Bowraville in the early 1990s.

The memorial, on Bowraville Reserve will replace three existing stones, and will act as a place for the families to go and reflect about the children and the circumstances they were taken.

Colleen Walker and Clinton Speedy-Duroux were teenagers while Evelyn Greenup was only 4 years old when their lives where each stolen from them.

Evelyn’s Aunty Michelle Jarrett says the memorial will be a vital part of the healing process for the family during their ongoing fight for justice.

“It’s very important so we can have a place to reflect, thing about the kids, think about the journey, think about the struggle and fight that we’ve got ahead of us still.”

“And just a place for the kids to play and you know, the kids now and to let them know and remember Evelyn, Clinton and Colleen,” she said.

For the families, the battle for justice isn’t over yet but it’s hoped the memorial can offer some peace, a place of reflection and to keep their memories alive.

“We’ll keep fighting until the kids have their day in court. We won’t be taking a backward step. We’re getting more support from public, media and from politicians, which is good, which we never got years ago and we’re finally being heard.”