WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased.
The first of many vigils and rallies being held across the country today in honour of the life of Cassius Turvey is underway in Perth.
The 15-year-old boy was walking home from school in Perth when he was allegedly beaten with a metal pole.
He was initially discharged from hospital but returned after suffering seizures. He was placed into an induced coma but later died.
Cassius’ mother Mechelle Turvey has written and released a “heartfelt statement” to be read at the dozens of gatherings, calling for “calm and peace”.
“I don’t want any more violence, I am the only person who can get justice for my son; stand alongside me, and I appreciate everyone, but I need to call out for calm, I am angry, Cassius’ friends and family are angry, I don’t want any form of violence at any of these rallies in the name of my child,” she wrote.
“Violence breeds violence, I want calm and peace.”
She described her son as a “shining star” and a “people lover” who was “the heart and soul of our community”.
Turvey criticised the police response after Cassius was allegedly attacked and called on the government to “invest in eliminating youth violence”.
“It’s actually helping us all with our healing day-by-day,” Turvey said.
Jack Brearley, 21, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and stealing.
At a vigil at Midlands Oval in Perth yesterday, Turvey said there would be rallies across Australia, New Zealand, and the US.
“We know racism exists, but do not use my son’s tragedy as a platform to blow your trumpets,” she said.
More than 40 rallies are expected to take place overall.
Western Australia’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti echoed Turvey’s call.
“We should be championing his life … and not use his situation for anyone’s own personal campaign,” he said.
Where the major rallies are happening today
Sydney – 6pm, Town Hall
Mount Druitt – 6.30pm, Corner of Carlisle Avenue and Luxford Road
Newcastle – 6pm, Civic Park
Wollongong – 5.30pm, McCabe Park
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Wagga Wagga – 5.30pm, Ngurra Hub
Victoria
Melbourne – 6pm, Aboriginal Advancement League
Geelong – 6pm, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative
Ballarat – 6pm, Alfred Deakin Place
Western Australia
Perth – 12.30pm, Forrest Place
Albany – 6.30pm, Town Hall
Geraldton – 2.10pm, Edith Cowan Square
Broome – 3.30pm, Broome courthouse
Queensland
Brisbane – 6pm, King George Square
Cairns – 7pm, Cairns City Library
Townsville – 10am, Strand Rockpool
South Australia
Adelaide – 3.30pm, Victoria Square
Northern Territory
Darwin – 5.30pm, Rapid Creek Bridge
Alice Springs – 6pm, Alice Springs courthouse
Canberra – 6pm, Aboriginal Tent Embassy
