Perth has voted to install a permanent memorial to remember the life of Indigenous teen Cassius Turvey, who was murdered in October.
City of Swan has announced that it will install a permanent memorial to remember Indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey, who was allegedly attacked and murdered in October.
City of Swan councillors have announced that they’re working with Cassius’ mother Mechelle Turvey and Indigenous elders to decide on a plaque, commemorative structure, or space ‘in the spirit of reconciliation.’
“It is important to commemorate the loss of an innocent young man in the spirit of reconciliation and community,” councillor Cate McCullough said of the decision.
She added: “A memorial will stand as a reminder of Cassius Turvey – an emerging, inspiring and gentle leader who, even in his short life, has left a significant legacy in our communities, across our nation and the world.”
In October, 15-year-old Cassius was attacked while walking along Patterson Drive in Middle Swan. Turvey was allegedly repeatedly hit on the head with a metal pole, sustaining severe head injuries. He died 10 days later. 21-year-old Jack Steven James Brearley was charged with his murder.
Turvey’s death sparked outrage and grief across the nation. The Bachelorette star Brooke Blurton – also Australia’s first indigenous Bachelorette – uploaded a tearful video slamming her fellow influencers’ responses to the incident.
“We’re just so tired of seeing these senseless acts of violence and racism, that stereotype, happen every day to the result of our young people dying. When does it stop?” Blurton said at the time.
She added: “It makes me feel angry and sad and disappointed that these people… like it’s not headlining for them, it doesn’t matter to them. But, like, this is a human experience… If this was a 15-year-old white kid, would that be making news for you?”
Indigenous activist Gabrielle Ebsworth also slammed MAFS star Domenica Calarco and radio-personality Abbie Chatfield for performative activism. Ebsworth called out Calarco and Chatfield for being ‘outspoken’ feminists, but posting sponsored content and Tiktoks instead of bringing attention to Turvey’s murder.
Shortly after, Chatfield spoke about the incident at length on her podcast Hot Nights With Abbie Chatfield.
