Blacks Beach stabbing: We’re all a bit shook but we’re resilient

It was Kaitlin’s day off. She had chosen a quieter section of the popular beach to sunbake. Which she had every right to do. It’s a right we all share, Rae Wilson writes.

Stabbing victim Kaitlin Jones, 23, who was stabbed by a stranger multiple times in a horrific attack while she was sunbathing on Blacks Beach.

I think we’re all a little shook this week. I know I am.

I consider the glorious stretch of sand along Blacks Beach as my local these days and a friend was about to take my puppy Scoop down there for a walk just after young Kaitlin Jones was stabbed repeatedly in a random attack.

It was Kaitlin’s day off. She had chosen a quieter section of the popular beach to sunbake. Which she had every right to do. A right we all share.

A bird’s eye view of where a stabbing took place on Blacks Beach. Picture: Daryl Wright

It will likely take some time before the full facts of what happened and why are out in the public domain.

But thus far the seemingly senseless attack in broad daylight from a stranger without warning has made us all a little more conscious of our surroundings and thankful the 23 year old girl makes a full recovery.

Blacks Beach in Mackay at sunset/dusk. Picture: Rae Wilson

Honestly, it’s been a few hectic weeks now of heartbreaking incidents around Mackay.

Missing woman turned homicide investigation.

Child drowning.

Pub shooting.

Armed robbery with tyre iron.

Random beach stabbing.

Multiple cars set on fire.

And a little closer to home, the house behind me was broken into.

Mackay Daily Mercury Editor Rae Wilson. Picture: Heidi Petith

Now, every time my dog barks in the night when he hears a noise – I get up to investigate instead of telling him to be quiet.

Crime does not just impact the victim. It can impact the wellbeing of the entire community. But this is a resilient community and we rally best in the face of adversity.

Originally published as Blacks Beach stabbing: We’re all a bit shook but we’re resilient