Explore the world like a child and you will see how beautiful it is.
That’s the quote the Kontozis family think of when they remember Tina Kontozis.
The Bundeena mother was killed by her former partner Stephen James Boyd at her Beachcomber Avenue home on Sunday, April 24, 2016.
He pled guilty in August and will face a sentencing hearing on December 1.
Now her family are speaking out ahead of the Sutherland Shire White Ribbon Walk on November 24.
It will be the second time the family takes part after participating in the inaugural walk last year.
Son Daniel Boyd, 19, was only 17 when his mother was killed but stepped out just seven months later for the first walk.
‘’My experience was empowering and showing our support was very important,’’ he said.
The family return this year in a bid to raise awareness about the tragic impacts of domestic violence.
‘’Our involvement will always be supporting the White Ribbon cause. We all need to unite against violence,’’ he said.
‘’We need to recognise that domestic violence is not going away and that it is a serious problem. We all need to speak up.
‘’Domestic violence can come in many forms but it’s often hidden from family and friends. Most victims suffer alone and often help is too late.
‘’There needs to be more intervention in our schools and domestic violence needs to be addressed from a very early age. It would be wonderful if it became part of the school curriculum.’’
Tina was a much-loved figure in the tight-knit Bundeena community.
Daniel said the community support helped in the aftermath.
‘’I was extremely overwhelmed to see how much Mum meant to the community,’’ he said.
‘’We drew from this love, happiness and community spirit. Her spirit will live on in Bundeena.’’
Almost 18 months after Tina’s death the family are getting by day by day.
‘’Each day comes with its challenges, some high and some low,’’ he said.
‘’Having the support of our fabulous counsellor through Homicide Victims' Support Group has helped us all cope with everyday life.
‘’Nothing was ever an issue for mum. She was a loving, caring and joyful person.
‘’She always put others first and saw the best in everyone. She was our Peter Pan- like a child who never grew up.’’
The Sutherland Shire White Ribbon Walk will start at 10am on Friday, November 24, from Woolooware High School and will finish at Perryman Place.
Supporters of the walk include NSW Police Force - Miranda LAC, St Vincent De Paul, Sutherland Shire Council, Sharks Leagues Club, Enough is Enough, Caringbah and Cronulla Rotary, Stay Safe Australia, Woolooware High School, Care 4 Kids Sutherland Shire, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire Brigade, Rural Fire Service, Tradies Gymea and Caringbah, Club Menai, The Beauty Bank, and White Ribbon Australia.
Following the success of the inaugural walk a committee has been set up with nominations open for anyone interested.
For further information or to help contact Kelly Donaghy at Miranda police on dona1kel@police.nsw.gov.au.
Be sure to share your photos and video of the event using #everystepcounts2017.
