Rockhampton community honours Tayla Black and baby Murphy

Rockhampton has turned pink in honour of Tayla Black and baby Murphy as the Queensland community continues to reel over their deaths after an alleged domestic violence attack.

The tragic alleged murder of Tayla Black and her baby Murphy continues to send ripples of pain through the entire Rockhampton community.

In a token to honour their lives, the city’s riverbank has been lit up pink, Tayla’s favourite colour, and a local football club has worn black armbands as a sign of respect for past player Gerry Black, Tayla’s father and Murphy’s grandfather.

The home where the 30-year-old mother and tiny baby were allegedly murdered by husband and father Matt Cox became a shrine on the weekend where people can lay flowers and quietly reflect on the enormity of the tragedy.

Toys including teddies and a pink bunny which appears to have a note written by a child on its foot have been placed in a tree on the front lawn.

Flowers and teddy bears laid on the front yard of the Bean Street home. Picture: Aden Stokes

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga, who is herself a mother to a young child, told reporters in Rockhampton on Friday she was “shocked and horrified about what has happened”.

Rockhampton's Quay Street has been lit up pink to honour Tayla Black and her baby Murphy.

“Tayla and her daughter Murphy have been taken from this earth far too soon in a horrific tragedy … something that didn’t have to happen and could have been prevented,” she said

“So many of us now are thinking ‘what could we have done to save these girls’ lives?’’

Police at the scene where Tayla Black and baby were found dead in a house on Bean Street. Photo - Steve Vit

Ms Lauga said she was also hearing there were feelings of guilt from “people who don’t need to feel guilty”.

Rockhampton's Quay Street will shine pink until Thursday in honour of Tayla and Murphy.

With her voice cracking, she said “we can’t save everyone, but we try really hard … it’s just awful”.

Mayor Tony Williams, who knew the family, said Quay Street has been lit up in pink after requests from the community and in consultation with Tayla’s family.

The Rockhampton community has banded together to honour the lives of Tayla Black and her baby Murphy.

“The loving tributes flowing to Tayla and Murphy show just how much they were loved in our community and will be deeply missed,” Cr Williams said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends who I hope can find comfort in the wonderful memories made by Tayla and Murphy.”

Colts and Biloela A-grade men observed a minute's silence after the tragic loss suffered by past player Gerry Black and his family.

Meanwhile, Colts Rugby players, Old Boys and officials wore black armbands when the region’s semi-finals were held at their club ground, T.A. Nutley Field, on Saturday.

The Colts and Biloela A-grade men’s teams stood together for a minute’s silence before their major semi-final.

A post on the Colts’ Facebook page said it was a way to show their respect to “one of their brothers” Gerry Black and his family after their “heartbreaking loss”.

“Gerry, we send you and your family a stack of love at this time,” the post concluded.

*Tayla will be remembered by her maiden name of Black at the request of her family.