A memorial for slain Altona North resident Roger Bertocci will be installed at a park near his family home.
Mr Bertocci, 46, was fatally stabbed about 200 metres from his Knapp Street home after going to the aid of a pregnant woman allegedly being attacked by a man.
He left behind his wife, Helen, and their two daughters, Ashlee, 15, and Brylee, age two.
Hobsons Bay council said it would install a seat and plaque, and plant a tree, at GJ Hosken Reserve, to commemorate Mr Bertocci’s life and sacrifice, and as a symbol that the community rejects men’s violence against women.
At last week’s council meeting, Mr Bertocci was described as a “local hero” for rushing to the aid of a woman in distress.
Mrs Bertocci broke down in tears last week, saying her late husband had always been her hero.
“He didn’t need to do this, in my opinion, to be marked as a hero,” she said. “He was always my hero, but all of sudden he’s become everyone’s hero, so I have to share that with everyone. It’s also about me and my girls being gracious and learning how to be gracious.
“I never would have thought there’d be something out in the community that represents my husband and the sacrifice that my husband made.
“It gives us a beautiful outlet, for me and the girls, to go there and sit and reflect. It will be nice to sit there and place some flowers and do our own thing.”
The memorial is jointly funded by the council and Altona Rotary. It will be unveiled at a ceremony on December 14, the 12-month anniversary of Mr Bertocci’s death.
Jonathon Sporton, 21, has been charged with his murder and is due to face trial next March.
