‘Justice for Cam’: Candlelight vigil after alleged brutal bashing death
The aunty of a young Gold Coast man who died after he was allegedly brutally assaulted in a popular beachside suburb has issued a powerful plea to the public.
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The aunty of a young Gold Coast man who died after he was allegedly brutally assaulted in a popular beachside suburb has issued a powerful plea for the public to attend a torchlight vigil for him this weekend.
Cameron Duce, 22, died in Gold Coast University Hospital last month, a week after he was allegedly viciously kicked and punched during a night out in Burleigh Heads.
An 18-year-old Gold Coast man, Austin Ballard, has been charged with striking causing death over the tragedy.
A popular tradie, Cameron was farewelled at a packed and emotional funeral at Nerang this week and his family, who are campaigning for improved public safety in Burleigh, is holding a #Justice4Cam vigil in the suburb on Sunday evening.
The event is being held at John Laws Park at Burleigh from 6pm.
“We felt a silent, peaceful torchlight vigil will bring everyone together, while allowing the community to show their love and support to family and friends and honour Cam at a place he loved,” Cameron’s father Chris said.
“Because of Cam’s welcoming, soft hearted fun loving personality we know there are many friends and people in the community that may not know his family personally but are struggling with the loss of such a beautiful soul.
“Everyone is welcome to respectfully attend.”
Cameron’s aunt, Martine Watson, posted a Facebook photo of her father and son with Cameron’s casket in the back of the hearse at the funeral.
“This is a photo I never I never thought I would have to see in my lifetime,” she wrote.
“A photo of a grandfather watching his grandson say goodbye to his other grandson.
“A photo that should never have had to be taken. A photo of the senselessness of violence. A photo that tells a story that we are not safe in our community. A photo that says enough is enough. A photo of a family that will never be the same.
“Let’s show this photo to our politicians and let them see the anguish. Let’s use this photo to stop these senseless acts of violence.
“Let’s stand together for #Justice4Cam, let’s stand together for all the other injustices to all the other victims of violent crimes. Let’s do it so we don’t have to see a photo like this again.”
Since Cameron’s death, the Duces have met with the LNP’s Burleigh candidate, former Gold Coast City councillor Hermann Vorster, to push for improved safety in Burleigh following a surge in alcohol-fuelled violence.
Mr Vorster has pledged a $4.1m community safety package if the LNP wins next week’s state election, including a new police station, local liquor accord and more CCTV cameras.
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