By Alana Mitchelson
THE FAMILIES and friends of loved ones lost on Cardinia Shire roads banded together to support each other through a tribute walk prior to Christmas.
For many, it would be their first Christmas with an empty seat at the table.
Katrina Chatfield, who lost her sister Nikki in a car crash at the corner of Five Mile Road and Hall Road in October, told the Gazette she had advocated for the council to use dust suppressant on Cardinia roads to stop preventable tragedies.
Event co-ordinator Marie Hansen-Nooy said the purpose of the Walk for Wellbeing was not only to raise awareness about dangerous roads and intersections across the shire, but to support affected families.
“The family of the lady who perished at the intersection of Thirteen Mile Road and Bunyip River Road just over a year ago – her brothers and sisters, mum and dad – were there,“ she said.
“The aunty and uncle of the lady who passed away on the corner of Five Mile Road and Hall Road a few months ago were also at the walk, along with a handful of other people. There was one couple from Main Drain Road who saw the family of four in the supermarket the week prior to their passing away.
“Everyone was so thankful for the walk and it was nice to be able to say a little prayer at the church as a mark of respect and tribute.“
Walkers held painted figurines representing the numbers lost on local roads.
Ms Hansen-Nooy identified fatalities at Ballarto Road, Seven Mile Road, corner of Heads Road and Caldermeade Road, McGregor Road, corner of Thirteen Mile Road and Bunyip River Road, Main Drain Road, corner of Hall Road and Five Mile Road, and Longwarry Road.
Seven lives were claimed on Cardinia Shire roads last year, including an eight-year-old girl.
Ms Hansen-Nooy said she planned to hold the walk annually on 23 December.
“I don’t care if it’s just 10 people every year,“ she said.
“The families were so thankful and that made it so worthwhile.“
For more information, visit Walk for Wellbeing on our Roads-“Inspired by Angels” on Facebook.
