Marchers condemn violence, remember lost community members

On an annual walk through Morwell's main street, about 300 people gathered to condemn violence and remember the lost community members. The event marked a year since the alleged murder of Kaiden Morgan-Johnston, an 18-year-old Yorta Yorta, Wakka Wakka and Wurundjeri man, who was allegedly killed by three individuals only 500 meters from his home. Kaiden's mother, Sascha Johnston, vowed to continue advocating for a safer community while preparing for this year's march.

Addressing the crowd, Ms Johnston expressed her pride in her community, stating that they had all united their voices and feet to demand a safer environment for everyone. She lamented the loss of young lives and emphasized the need to teach children that weapons and violence are never the answer. Kaiden was described as a proud Indigenous man who aspired to become a young Aboriginal leader and was actively involved in local dance groups.

Kaiden's mother also discussed the recent introduction of machete bins in the Latrobe Valley, but she believed teaching young people not to carry them at all was the most crucial step. She argued that if someone feels threatened, they should seek alternative ways to protect themselves instead of resorting to carrying weapons.

Growing up, Kaiden was once a victim of a knife robbery, which influenced his decision to avoid carrying weapons. His mother stressed that society needed to become safer, as her son had experienced multiple acts of violence in his short life. She lamented the insurmountable pain left behind by the loss of young lives and expressed her desire to finish her son's unfinished story.

The families of Dr Ashley Gordon and Roy Poole, who were also slain in the Latrobe Valley, attended the rally alongside Kaiden's family. Dr Gordon, a former GP and local childcare center owner, was murdered by a teenager with a knife, while Roy Poole was stabbed to death during an argument over a car park in Moe. Their families emphasized the importance of preventing knife crime and supporting tougher penalties for youth crime.