Accused coward puncher to fight charges as family spreads ashes

Loved ones of a popular Gold Coast tradie who was killed in an alleged coward punch attack have spread his ashes and planted a tree in his honour near the spot where he died last September.

Chris Duce and Sonia Kluger with Cameron’s sisters Tayla Duce (black top) and Brianna Maguire (dress) planting a tree in memory of their son. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Family and friends of a popular young Gold Coast tradie who was killed in an alleged coward punch attack have fought back tears as they spread some of his ashes and planted a tree in his honour near the spot where he died last September.

Relatives and friends of Cameron Duce gathered on the beachfront at Burleigh Heads on Tuesday to erect the coastal banksia in the 22-year-old’s memory.

It was an emotional day for the group who earlier attended the latest court appearance for Austin Ballard, the 18-year-old accused of killing Cameron.

Ballard, who has been charged with unlawful striking causing death, will have his case mentioned again in Southport Magistrates Court next month.

His lawyer has indicated he will fight the charge.

Cameron Duce who died after being allegedly coward punched.

Cameron was on a night out with mates in Burleigh on September 21 last year when he was allegedly assaulted. He died six days later in Gold Coast University Hospital after his family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support.

His parents, Chris and Sonia, and sisters Brianna and Tayla, joined other family members and friends for the tree planting ceremony which was organised with the help of the Gold Coast City Council.

Burleigh was Cam’s favourite spot, the young man heading to the idyllic beachside suburb several times a week to jog, cycle, walk the family dog, have breakfast at a local cafe or beers with his friends on weekends.

“It’s a perfect spot for us to be here with Cam,” Chris said.

“It’s where Cam liked to be – we’ve brought him home, really.”

Sonia added: “We don’t want him to be forgotten. It’s nice for him to be laid here and for us to come and spend time here.”

Cameron Duce, 22, was in hospital prior to passing away following the alleged assault.

Chris and Sonia have been pushing for improved safety in Burleigh, with the council promising more CCTV cameras and the state government pledging a permanent police beat to tackle after-dark violence.

“Things like this really help us as a family – they give us something,” Chris said of the tree planting.

“It was a really moving experience having everyone here today.”

The Duces, who have established an association to lobby for improved public safety, held a “Concert for Cam” at Burleigh last month in the same week as what would have been his 23rd birthday.

Local bands featuring his cousin and friends performed and one of his favourite acts, hit Aussie outfit The Terrys, made a special guest appearance.

Originally published as Accused coward puncher to fight charges as family spreads ashes