Mother and daughter at odds over son’s plaque at Carpenter Rocks fisherman’s memorial

A council has been put in a tight spot after a mother and daughter were at odds about a memorial plaque to honour fishermen who have been lost at sea.

A regional council has been forced to make a tough call after a mother and daughter were at odds over a memorial plaque to their son and brother lost at sea 25 years ago.

The Carpenter Rocks Progress Association, with the help of the District Council of Grant, erected a memorial in honour of lost fishermen in the area earlier this year. It stands on the Carpenter Rocks foreshore, 35km from Mt Gambier.

Kathy McCallum lost both her partner Christopher Allan Benson, 37, and son Damian Allan Benson, 15, in 1998. They were lost at sea in waters off Blackfellows Caves.

A mother and daughter are at odds about a memorial plaque honouring fisherman who have been lost at sea. Picture: Supplied Facebook

Ms McCallum wrote to council expressing her distress at seeing her son’s name on the memorial wall, requesting it be taken down. She did not wish to have her former partner’s name removed.

Council also received a letter from Sandy Benson, Damian’s sister, requesting the plaque remain.

District Council of Grant chief executive Darryl Whicker said the issue was emotional.

“I have no doubt this (memorial) was done by a community group with good intentions,” he said.

“Most people were really flattered.”

Councillor Brad Mann said it was a tricky situation to balance, as the plaque was already up and the deaths were public knowledge.

Ms Benson said she was shocked when she first learnt her mother was attempting to have the plaque removed, but did not explain her reasoning.

“It hit me for a six – the only reason she gave me was she didn’t want it up there,” Ms Benson said.

A Change.org petition started by Ms Benson gained 293 signatures in support.

“They both died doing what they loved (fishing),” Ms Benson wrote.

“I think (the plaques are) such a beautiful thing to do for the families as it gives us a place to go to see them and pay our respects as not everyone’s body’s has been found.

“It’s a place for me, my kids, our families and Damian’s friends to go to show our respects and the only place that actually has his name.

“We don’t have a grave or ashes or anything else.”

After debating the issue council voted in favour of Ms Benson and decided to retain Damian Benson’s plaque.

Ms Benson said she was grateful for the support she received from the community.

“Damian now has a resting place up on the wall next to my dad,” she said.

Ms McCallum has been contacted for comment.