Mayor Glen Hartwig responds to stabbing of Gympie boxer Danny Hawkins

The mayor of the Queensland town rocked by the stabbing of a high profile boxing coach Danny Hawkins has spoken out about his service to the community which has rallied in support.

Gympie mayor Glen Hartwig has spoken in support of boxing champion and gym owner Danny Hawkins after his stabbing sent shockwaves through town.

He said he was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Mr Hawkins, who also used to work at the Gympie Regional Council and since leaving there, had “continued to serve our community – coaching, mentoring and supporting our youth through his work at the Savage Boxing Club”.

“Many of our young men, and women call Savage’s a second home and through Danny, and his wife Alicia’s mentorship, a lot of these youth have found their feet,” he said

“I wish Danny a speedy recovery … my thoughts go out to Alicia and the family.

“These are the times we need to show our support for those that are tireless workers for this region.”

Mr Hawkins was building a treehouse for his daughter in his front yard when he was allegedly ambushed by a group of men.

Mayor Glen Hartwig has come out in support of Danny Hawkins who was allegedly stabbed in an attack by a group of men on Saturday.

Mr Hawkins’ neighbour Tom Colley said he heard the shouting about 4:30pm on September 18 and went outside to see the end of the end of the violent episode, before rushing over to stem the blood pouring from the boxer’s wounds.

Four of the men have been charged and were all denied police bail, with one of the alleged attackers football stars Ben Buggy facing court on Monday.

Photos of the incident were tendered in the court proceedings, with one of the shots showing a knife that was allegedly used in the attack.

Mr Hawkins is on the mend in Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with his wife Alicia who said the family had been “overwhelmed” with love and support.

The wife of a champion boxer, who was allegedly ambushed by weapon-wielding men in his front yard in Gympie, says it will ‘take more to break this family’.

Committing many hours and personal finances to community work, the dedication of the Hawkins family, Mr Hartwig said, could not be underestimated.

He also commended the Gympie Police who he said took swift action in charging those allegedly responsible.

“I would like to acknowledge members of the wider community who have gotten around the Hawkins family,” he said.

“It is reassuring to know that when it counts, our community look after its own.”

Originally published as Mayor Glen Hartwig responds to stabbing of Gympie boxer Danny Hawkins