Memorial4Kate to symbolise Northern Rivers’ ongoing fight for equality

Lismore residents are continuing to fight for equality, and urging others to speak up, with an important vigil planned to be held in the CBD.

Women and allies are encouraged to contribute to the memorial with flowers, LED candles and messages of support. Picture: david Hill

A year after the tragic death of the woman who claimed she had been sexually assaulted by Christian Porter, Lismore residents are being encouraged to join the fight for an independent inquiry into the allegations.

The woman known as Kate took her life in June last year, the day after she informed NSW police she no longer wished to pursue a complaint against Mr Porter.

She previously informally reported to police that she had been assaulted by Christian Porter when she was 16 and he was 17. Mr Porter has vehemently denied those allegations. He is not under investigation by police .

The one-year anniversary follows the recent settlement of Mr Porter’s defamation case against the ABC.

It was also a passing which left many supporters of the March4Justice movement, including Lismore co-ordinator Carol Shipard, more determined than ever to press on with the cause.

Which was why she was launching Lismore’s own Memorial4Kate, a drop-in tribute outside of MP Kevin Hogan’s Molesworth St office.

“At this point Kate and Brittany (Higgins) have become icons of a revived movement for equality and justice,” Ms Shipard said.

“Lismore is no different to the rest of the country and the rest of the world, and I suggest it is an issue every women has lived with.”

After a March national March4Justice, where an estimated 110,000 people rallied in response to both Ms Higgins and Kate’s allegations, the follow-up Lismore event was a quiet but poignant reminder to elected Lismore representatives that the fight was far from over.

“It’s about keeping the pressure on our elected representatives and showing we haven’t gone away, we’re still here,” she said.

“We’re still here, still angry and we want action.

“The only thing that changes thing is people standing up.”

The renewed action also about fostering a safe environment for Lismore women of all ages and walks of life

“(It) happened with the march, people reporting to police jumped markedly,” Ms Shipard said.

“It’s about creating a culture that this is not OK and you can speak up.

“As a teen, I never spoke to anyone, no young people had this conversation, but there’s young women coming out of the woodwork, there’s a space now in Australian society where they can speak up.

“They know there will be women and other allies saying ‘I believe you’.”

* The drop in, drop off vigil is planned for June 24, 4.45pm outside MP Kevin Hogan’s office.

Those wanting to pay their respects are invited to bring down flowers, sympathy cards, letters, LED candles and anything else that feels appropriate.

Those interested are reminded to be respectful to Mr Hogan and his staff at all times.
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