A memorial for an Altona North ‘good Samaritan’, Roger Bertocci, was unveiled on Monday, marking the 12-month anniversary of his death.
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 her partner.
He left behind his wife, Helen, and their daughters, Ashlee, 15, and Brylee, age two.
Hobsons Bay council, supported by Altona Rotary, installed a seat and plaque, and planted a tree, at GJ Hosken Reserve near the Bertocci family home.
It commemorates Mr Bertocci’s life and sacrifice and is intended to symbolise the community’s rejection of men’s violence against women. Mrs Bertocci said she had tried to practise her speech for the unveiling but each time had broken down in tears.
On Monday morning, she packed the speech into her daughter’s backpack and, surrounded by people in what she described as “a circle of strength”, managed to read it aloud.
“For me, he was a great guy, he was a respectful guy who would never turn a blind eye when someone was in trouble. He lived and breathed his strong moral values,” Mrs Bertocci said.
“It is comforting to know that, in the years to come, people who walk past this place or sit under this tree will see his name and remember what he did.”
