Community
9 December, 2024
Remembering eight ‘angels’
A COMMEMORATION event to honour eight children killed in Murray St, Manoora, 10 years ago is being held at Murray Street Park on Wednesday.
Organisers Sonya Panuel, Helen Ghee and others have planned the event at 9am “to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the passing of our eight angels”.
A formal program of prayer and songs is due to start at 9am to 11.30am, followed by a barbecue lunch provided, finishing around 12.30pm.
An informal afternoon program from 12.30pm to 2.15 pm will include cultural and children's activities such as painting and weaving to bring the community together.
“The purpose of this event is to honour our young people and allow community a space to share their feelings of grief and loss, while reflecting on what sustains us as a community: the bonds we share, the support we offer one another and the commitments we make to care for each other,” the organisers said.
“All are invited to share and commit ourselves to a world where the most vulnerable among us is cherished and feels loved.
“We commit to fostering safety, understanding and love in our neighbourhoods.
"Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future.
“They bear the seeds of the character of future society which is largely shaped by what the adults constituting the community do or fail to do with respect to children. They are a trust no community can neglect with impunity."
The organisers said all those interested were welcome to come, “as we know many people have been touched by this event and played vital roles in supporting community after”.
“Friends, who attend are encouraged to wear floral themes."
People attending are asked to RSVP to: Penny.deamer@gmail.com
Raina Thaiday killed seven of her children and her niece at 34 Murray St on December 19, 2014.
Ms Thaiday was suffering from psychosis stemming from undiagnosed schizophrenia.
She was deemed to be of unsound mind and remains in a mental health facility. The charges against her were dropped.
The house where the tragedy occurred has since been demolished.
In its place is a grove of eight frangipani trees — one for each of the children — a place locals describe as "sacred".
