Bunches of flowers and a maroon school uniform jumper now lie outside Hurstville Public School - a picture of what followed a horrific crash that claimed a young student's life.
It's a touching yet terrible reminder of the incident that shook the community and beyond on Friday, when a car ploughed into the school fence, trapping a 12-year-old boy who later died of his injuries on his way to hospital.
Rabih Abdulrahman did not apply for bail and it was formally refused at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday. The 36-year-old was disqualified from driving. He was charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death, driving disqualified and other traffic offences following the boy's death. As criminal proceedings are underway, the child victim cannot be identified. The matter returns to Sutherland Local Court on November 4.
Hurstville parents have launched a petition to improve traffic and road safety on Forest Road. More than 10,735 people have signed it so far.
Parent Noveria Tjahjadi, who started the petition, says the incident "hit too close to home", as his own children were being dropped off nearby at about the same time the Sydney Technical High School student was run down.
"Although your bright future life was cut short, this will shake the community to do better for the sake of our kids and school communities," the petition states.
Parents are requesting the possibility of installing a 50-100 metre barricade around the intersection of Forest Road and Lily Street - the site of the crash. They also request authorities examine other ways to decrease pedestrian risk of being "squeezed onto the footpath", reducing the likelihood of jaywalking.
"Even in the event of an accident, it will significantly reduce the force on impact and minimise damage," the petition states. "...For the purpose of bettering our community and preventing such a tragedy from occurring again."
Labor MP for Barton, Linday Burney, today expressed her condolences for the victim's family, and thanked those who assisted at the scene.
"The safety and well-being of our students, especially as they commute to and from school, is paramount," she said.
"I will work with the local school, community and state member for Kogarah Chris Minns, to do give them whatever support they need to improve road and pedestrian safety for the school as well as along Forest Road."