- Join Got Your Back Sista and stand up to domestic violence at the Newcastle Knights versus Canterbury Bulldogs NRL game on July 12. Register at https://www.mycause.com.au/events/2019gybsknights
GABRIELLA 'Gabby' Thompson's family and friends will gather this weekend to remember the "beautiful soul" and to shine a spotlight on domestic violence in the hope of saving lives.
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Jess Truong knew Ms Thompson for about 20 years, after their older sisters married a pair of best friends, and described her as an "amazing woman".
"She was always quiet at first, but once you got to know her she was really funny and really kind," said Ms Truong on Tuesday, which would have been Ms Thompson's 28th birthday.
"She had time for everyone and was beautiful inside and out."
The father of Ms Thompson's daughter, Tafari Walton, fatally stabbed her on March 13 this year. Police shot him dead less than 24 hours later.
"I remember getting the message and being in complete disbelief," Ms Truong said.
"It was Gabby - one of the nicest people ever to come into my life.
"How anyone would want to hurt Gabby was mind blowing to me.
"My thoughts immediately went to her family, her mum, her sisters, her daughter. So many people are now suffering. I get angry when reality sets in - it's not fair and should not have happened."
Ms Truong said she had been overwhelmed with the level of community and business support after deciding to organise a dinner called Raise a Glass for Gabby at Sprout Dining at The Crown & Anchor Hotel on Friday. It will raise funds to support Ms Thompson's family and her daughter, 3.
The event will include a banquet-style dinner and dessert, music by Gian, a comedy show by Brendan Montanner, prizes and the auctioning of a signed Newcastle Knights jersey. Nova For Women and Children chief executive Kelly Hansen and Got Your Back Sista chief executive Melissa Histon will speak.
"It's important to raise that flag because domestic violence is often disregarded or downplayed, or there are attempts to justify aggressive or violent behaviour," she said.
"Then when something like this happens it snaps something and people realise it's not okay.
"Since March everything has been about how horrific the situation is, but then the narrative stopped.
"I want to make sure we continue the conversation and this sparks a change in people.
"The message is to look out for the signs, be aware of the statistics and know how we can make a change.
"If we call attention to it it could save someone's life. We can do things now that will help someone later on."
Tickets from stickytickets.com.au.
The Windsor Castle East Maitland will also host a Say No to Domestic Violence event on Saturday. Tickets, $10 at the door, include nibbles, prizes, activities and a band.
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
