A funeral for a young boy who was tragically killed by a car at Hurstville earlier this month will be held this morning.
The year 7 student who cannot be named for legal reasons, was walking to Sydney Technical High School on September 6 when a car ploughed into him on Forest Road.
Rabih Abdul Rahman, 36, was charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death, driving disqualified and other traffic offences. The case returns to court in November.
Kogarah MP Chris Minns will be among those who will attend the funeral at a Carlton church to pay his respects to the 12-year-old.
"Losing a child on the way to school is every parents worst nightmare...I pray it never happens again, " he said.
"Obviously the nature of this event requires questions as to why the person who has been charged with manslaughter in relation to this case was allowed in our community in the first place.
"The man allegedly involved was subject to an Intensive Corrections Order, which means he was serving a prison sentence 'in the community'. I have been attempting to discover why this person was allowed into our community and what restrictions had been placed on him by the courts and parole authorities, and whether these restrictions and monitoring procedures were adhered to.
"There is [also] obviously a need to upgrade and provide increased fencing along Forest Road in front of Hurstville Public School as a matter of urgency. Rest assured I have spoken to the mayor about this issue and written to the Minister for Roads requesting his assistance as well."
Tributes for the student have poured in on social media.
"This young man who died is precious. So terribly sad. He is in our hearts," Sandra Cecchi posted on Facebook.
"We parents shouldn't be in a helpless situation to just pray for our children's safe return when they leave homes every morning. We must bring that confidence back that we are living and raising our kids in a safe community," Jayavani Naram posted.
More than 15,430 people have signed a petition launched by the P&C to improve road and traffic safety around the school.
Sydney Tech and the P&C has also started a joint fund to help with financial expenses for the family. Donations can me made to the Sydney Technical High School P and C account.
SYDNEY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOC
BSB: 062-190
A/C: 1035 7317