Two year anniversary since Sunshine Coast teen Balin Stewart stabbed to death, Walk for Balin announced

The parents of slain Sunshine Coast teenager Balin Stewart are sharing the emotional journey they’ve been on as they grapple with the lack of justice for their son who was stabbed to death outside their home two years ago.

The parents of slain Sunshine Coast schoolboy Balin Stewart (right) are celebrating their son’s life and advocating for tougher laws for the two-year anniversary of Balin’s stabbing.

It’s been almost two years since their 16-year-old son died in their arms after being stabbed to death by another teen, and yet the killer will walk out of his cell in a matter of years.

This is the ‘justice’ Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart are grappling to understand, following losing his son to a horrific stabbing two years ago.

“It’s still pretty hard to remember he was taken that way,” Mr Stewart said.

“All it took was one blow. A single stab wound to the chest. Through his lungs and into his heart.

“Killed him almost instantly.”

Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart, it’s two years on Saturday since their son Balin, died from a stab wound on their front lawn. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Balin Stewart, 16, died on January 20, 2022, after he was stabbed by a 17-year-old boy, nearly 18, in the street outside his home at Buddina on the Sunshine Coast.

His killer was convicted of manslaughter in September, 2023, and sentenced to seven years behind bars, only having to serve half of the sentence. Ninety days in detention were declared time already served meaning the teen would be released from custody in late 2026 when he is aged 22.

Balin Stewart, in his trademark white T-shirt, holding the sun.

“We find it hard that Balin’s killer was treated as a juvenile. The same as a 12-year-old boy and yet he was almost 18,” Mr Stewart said.

“They only have to serve 50 per cent of their sentence. It just doesn’t make sense to me. He killed my boy.

“I’d ask any parent, if your 16-year-old son died in your arms and you were trying everything to save him, do you think three and half years feels like justice? Like enough? Because it just doesn’t to us.

“Yes it was a stupid mistake and he was remorseful at the scene. But during the court case that shifted. He blamed Balin.

“Even the judge said he wasn’t taking accountability.

“May he burn in hell as far as I’m concerned.”

Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart have opened up about the night their beloved son Balin lost his life in an alleged stabbing and the impact it's had on their lives. Photo: Patrick Woods.

His killer had used a kitchen knife.

The Stewart family has been pushing for tougher laws regarding carrying knives since his death.

“We formed the Balin Stewart foundation after being blindsided that young teenagers are carrying knives here on the Sunshine Coast. We had no idea,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our primary goal was to raise awareness and educate teens.

“There are consequences for both the victim and perpetrator and their families.

“If there’s no knife present then there’s less chance of a serious injury or death from an altercation.”

This Saturday is the two-year anniversary of Balin’s brutal killing and the family is hosting a “Walk for Balin”.

Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart at Brisbane Supreme Court. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / John Gass

“It’s to celebrate his life and how wonderful he was. But also to raise awareness and try to make change,” Mr Stewart said.

“The more of us in attendance the more the politicians will have to listen.

“The more it goes on the more we miss Balin.

“More needs to be done. There is no reason ever for a teenager to carry a knife or weapon.

“If teenagers get into an emotional state you just don’t know what they’ll do with a knife.”

Balin Stewart memorial unveiled at Buddina. Photo: Elizabeth Neil

Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan said knife related crime was a serious concern.

“We’ve seen some very tragic incidents related to knife related crime. Our hearts break for every one of those families impacted by this including Balin’s family,” he said.

“It’s why we have acted in a number of respects, of course bringing in Jack’s Law. But also introducing (more laws) and these laws are before the parliament now and are due to be debated this year, and hopefully supported by all members of parliament.

“And that is around knife retail sales restrictions and taking the next step around limiting access to knives but also creating a positive culture around responsible knife use.

“It’s important for everyone in the community to have these conversations with young people.

“We’ve got to make sure we have positive conversations around community safety particularly when it comes to knife safety.”

Memorial tree for Balin Stewart. Picture: Patrick Woods.

In memory of the son he lost, Mr Stewart has asked everyone to wear a white shirt for Balin on Saturday, even if they are unable to attend the walk.

“I don’t want any family to ever have to go what we went through,” Mr Stewart said.

The Walk for Balin is set for the Kawana Surf Club at 4pm.

After the walk there will be a family friendly BBQ and event back at the Surf Club with live music.

Originally published as Two year anniversary since Sunshine Coast teen Balin Stewart stabbed to death, Walk for Balin announced