By BEN CAMERON
JUST over four years since the tragic death of Cameron Lowe, the mother of one of the 17-year-old’s closest friends has returned to the place he was last seen alive to spread an important anti-violence message.
Kerry Kistermaker, the woman behind One Punch Campaign Australia, has been given permission to leave a permanent reminder on the front counter at Hungry Jacks why just a single punch can destroy lives: a bar mat emblazoned with the wise words: “Be Smart, Don’t Start, One Punch Kills”.
Seventeen-year-old Lowe died after being struck with a single punch on his way home from the store on 6 November.
He was helped home by friends and eventually went to bed, but never woke up.
It’s Kerry’s mission to see her bar mats and coasters in establishments right across the country.
“The Pakenham Hotel has taken our coasters which has been terrific,” she said.
“And the manager (of Hungry Jacks) said the mat will stay there permanently. Thousands will now see it.
“I would love to see this supported nation-wide.”
She said her campaign was needed more than ever.
“I’ve seen no change in the education and awareness of just how easy it is to kill someone and now so many more lives have been lost. That is why I do what I do,” she said.
“Four years ago Cameron Lowe walked into and then left this Hungry Jacks restaurant for the very last time.
“It was a place where he worked, a place his friends and brother worked, a place that he chose to visit that night, just before that fatal punch was thrown.”
She said the mats and coasters were being funded through selling her painted art work, with one piece sold in the UK.
To support the campaign go to One Punch Campaign Australia’s Facebook page.
