A REMEMBRANCE plaque sparked by the death of Altona Meadows teenager Allem Halkic could be erected in his home suburb by September 8 – the date that would have marked his 21st birthday.
Allem was 17 when he leapt from the West Gate Bridge on February 5, 2009, after enduring cyber bullying in silence.
Following his death, his parents, Ali and Dina Halkic, 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-awareness initiatives.
Mr Halkic said the plaque was planned for the corner of Queen and Merton streets, where Allem used to wait for a bus.
“What we’re trying to do is remember that Allem was a part of the community and after his death many changes actually occurred, from the securing of the West Gate Bridge, from the awareness .. . three and a half years ago people didn’t understand what was going on,” Mr Halkic said.
“I think when all the kids commute out there they can sort of stop and reflect and understand the dangers of bullying. I think this is a way that’s going to remind people forever.
“It’s a reminder of the suffering that he had to go through and I think if it triggers people to look at what happened to Allem and understand it, I think that the long-term prospect, it’s going to definitely help and probably save lives down the track.”
Ms Halkic said she hoped the plaque would also raise awareness about the dangers of social media.
“Losing Allem, who was our only child, is something that we live and struggle with each day. We’ve set out to bring awareness to this cancer that is taking so many young lives.”
Hobsons Bay Council last week agreed to investigate options for establishing a plaque of remembrance near the “Grow” sculpture so the park land may be used for reflection by any resident whose loved one has “ended their life early by suffering the pain of being a victim of bullying”.
Anyone with problems may call Lifeline on 131114 or Suicide Helpline on 1300651251. The Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved parents, may be reached on 98884944.
– Goya Dmytryshchak
