‘She was just 21-years-old’: Community gathers to remember Xiaoting Wang
The university student has been remembered as a loving daughter and friend after she was found dead with stab wounds in a Sydney unit.
A woman found dead with stab wounds in a unit in Sydney’s inner-west has been remembered as a daughter, friend and top student who will “never be forgotten”
The Burwood community gathered at the Burwood Pavilion Centre to honour the life of Xiaoting Wang on Tuesday evening after she was found dead in a Conder Street unit in Burwood on August 12.
Emergency services were called to the courtyard of the unit complex just after 8.45am on Monday August 12 following reports of a concern for welfare.
The body of a man was found in a courtyard by officers from Burwood Police Area Command, with police earlier revealing he had injuries to his ankles.
A crime scene was established and an investigation launched.
The man has since been identified as a 21-year-old university student from China.
Shortly after investigators found the body of Ms Wang, a 21-year-old university student from China, in a unit of the building after watching her walk towards the apartment on CCTV.
A second crime scene was established while the unit underwent forensic examination after the woman was found with stab wounds.
Commander of Burwood Police Area Command Superintendent Commander Christine McDonald confirmed police will allege the person responsible for Xiaoting’s death is “also responsible for his own” while speaking at the vigil on Tuesday night.
Women and Girls Emergency Centre chief executive officer Nicole Yade said the community’s “hearts are broken”.
“Our hearts are broken. We pause together to breathe we pause to send love and our deepest condolences to Xiaoting’s family and friends,” Ms Yade said while speaking at the vigil.
“As a community we pause to honour Xiaoting.”
Ms Yade invited the community to light a candle and join her in a minute’s silence, while Taylor Swift style friendship bracelets with the initials “XW” were made by detectives and handed out at the vigil after police discovered Ms Wang was a fan of the pop star.
Superintendent McDonald said she addressed the community with “mixed emotions” on Tuesday evening.
“Honoured to represent Burwood Police Area Command and our dedicated officers. Sad that a young girl’s life was taken in my patch on my watch,” Superintendent McDonald said.
“Frustrated that we couldn’t prevent it. Humbled by the support and togetherness of this wonderful community and motivated to reduce domestic and family violence.
“This afternoon we come together for Xiaoting Wang, a daughter, friend, top student in digital studies.
“Her favourite colour was beige. She loved watching movies and playing Mahjong.
“A Taylor Swift superfan, her favourite song was August.”
Superintendent McDonald said Ms Wang had dreamt of opening a women’s beauty salon with a cafe, and her favourite place to travel was Australia.
“She was just 21-years-old. To Xiaoting ‘s family, on behalf of Burwood Police Area Command, our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family and friends,” she said.
“This should never happen and it is not reflective of the country I was born and raised. Australia is a place of opportunity, fair go, where every citizen has a right and an expectation to feel safe and be safe.
“Girls and women in comparison to other countries around the world can do anything and be anyone here.”
Superintendent McDonald said her “heart breaks” for Ms Wang’s family, who live in China and were unable to attend the vigil.
“Domestic violence is an epidemic in this country and many around the world. It impacts from the unborn to the elderly and every age group in between. Domestic and family violence does not discriminate, but what it does do is it isolates, intimidates, and denigrates.
“It ripples throughout our community and the impact on victim survivors, bystanders, children, workplaces, schools, parents, families, friends, and homes is unrelenting, often longlasting, and undoubtedly life changing.”
Despite legislation to hold people to account, the introduction of measures including coercive control laws and operations to target high risk and violent offenders, Superintendent McDonald said domestic and family violence takes up 60 per cent of police time.
“We need to move towards a place in society where people are free and safe when they choose to end their relationship. People need to understand that their loved ones are not their possession,” she said.
Superintendent McDonald urged people to come forward and report domestic and family violence.
“It takes a village to protect a village,” she said.
“If you see something, hear something, feel something, even if it’s a gut feeling in your own relationship or someone else’s, I implore you to say something. Information and action is the key.”
“Xiaoting Wang is her name, and may she never, ever be forgotten.”
Burwood Mayor John Faker said “no words could ever express the depth of sorrow” Ms Wang’s family, friends, and all those who knew her feel “and will continue to feel”.
“Xiaoting was a valued member of our community and we will remember her,” he said.
“As both mayor and a father of four children, three of those being young ladies, I wish I was speaking to you under happier circumstances but it is important to acknowledge that this is an event that has touched every corner of our community.
“Domestic violence has no place in our community or anywhere else. Together by looking out for one another we can build a community where love, respect triumph over violence and fear. A community that is safe for everyone.
“I would like to remind you all that there are services and support is available for those in need and it’s important that we reach out and help whenever possible.”
He said “Burwood will always remember” Ms Wang’s name.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott said Ms Wang loved the university, and those at the university “loved her vibrant presence”.
“We’ve lost a good student, a good classmate, a good learning companion,” he said.
“She was known as an excellent student with great enthusiasm for and great dedication to her studies.”
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