THREE generations of the Halkic family spoke through tears as a remembrance plaque marking the death of teenager Allem Halkic was unveiled at Altona Meadows on Saturday.
Allem was 17 when he jumped from the West Gate Bridge on February 5, 2009, after enduring cyber bullying in silence.
The plaque is on a bench, facing a giant flower sculpture named ‘Grow’, where Allem used to wait for a bus on the corner of Queen and Merton streets.
His parents, Dina and Ali, came to the bench for the first time on Saturday morning.
“It’s an emotional rollercoaster,” Mr Halkic said. “We all have a part to play in prevention [of bullying] and that’s the message that we’re trying to send out: not to accept any form of bullying or victimisation.
“It does cause death and people just need to be reminded. That is a testament to Allem and a reminder of the suffering that he had to deal with.”
Ms Halkic said that since Allem’s death, awareness about bullying had grown. Allem’s 12-year-old nephew, Cuni, said he hadn’t been the same since the death.
“He was kinda like my big brother. I kinda don’t feel the same.”
Allem’s grandfather, Ibro Jukic, said he had come to the bench every day since the plaque was erected.
“They [the convicted bully] should be going to jail,” he said. “And to see this boy [the convicted bully] free.
“Seventeen and a half years [Allem was, we will] never forget.”
Celine Creighton, 21, said Allem’s death had matured his friends.
“It happened when we were really young; we were 17 at the time. We’ve learnt a lot since then. We’ve lost a lot, but we’ve gained a lot as well.”
Daniel Heffernan, 22, said he was a lot more aware of cyber bullying. Police Superintendent Cindy Millen said Allem’s death and teenage suicide also affected police officers.
“We’re just members of the community with uniforms on. A lot of us have our own children as well. It’s absolutely devastating for us also. It can change our lives forever.”
Following Allem’s death, his parents successfully launched a landmark prosecution of cyber-bullying offences and a coronial inquest into their only son’s death, among other anti-bullying and suicide-prevention initiatives.
Anyone with problems can call Lifeline on 131114 or Suicide Helpline on 1300 651 251. The Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved parents, may be reached on 9888 4944.
More pictures: maribyrnongweekly.com.au
