Cairns daycare minibus death: ‘Gorgeous little boy’ farewelled after minibus tragedy

Tears have flowed at an emotional funeral for a three-year-old boy allegedly left to die in a daycare minibus last month, as close to 500 mourners heard moving stories of the child described as a “thumbs up boy” who loved trains, bubble gum and Shrek.

Members of the public lay flowers and left teddies at the Goodstart Early Learning Centre. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

FAMILY of a three-year-old boy allegedly left to die in a hot daycare bus have vowed to get justice out of a “broken“ child care system.

About 500 mourners today turned out for the funeral service of Maliq “Meeky” Namok-Malamoo who died in Cairns on February 18.

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“We all grieve our loss in circumstances that should never have happened,” his great-grandmother Shireen Malamoo said in tribute.

“We will carry this grief for our life times.

Maliq “Meeky” Namok-Malamoo.

“It is on our watch to ensure that justice prevails.

“You must ethically, legally, financially acknowledge that the child care system is broken.

“We seek justice for Maliq.”

His mother Muriel in a moving speech full of laughter and tears told how her only son was her true love.

Mourners attend the funeral for the three-year-old who died after being left in a childcare bus. Picture: Stewart McLean

“Meeky was a thumbs up boy,” she said.

“When you ask Meeky if he’s all right, he would always give the thumbs up.”

He loved Shrek, loved bubble-gums more than salt plums, but his favourite of all things was his train.

Some 500 people attended the funeral. Picture: Stewart McLean

“Everybody is sad that we won’t see Meeky grow up from this gorgeous little three-year-old boy, to a strong, gifted, intelligent and respectful man,” his grieving mum said.

She shared a short video of her kissing her boy saying “I love you” as he giggled and touched her face.

And the tears flowed.

Two day care workers have been charged with manslaughter after they allegedly forgot to take the little boy out of the minibus on a pick-up to the Goodstart Early Learning centre in Edmonton.