Geraldton community joins emotional nationwide rallies for justice in the wake of Cassius Turvey’s death

Tears were shed as the Geraldton community gathered to mourn and rally for justice in the wake of the alleged murder of Noongar Yamatji boy Cassius Turvey — the 15-year-old who never made it home after a day at school.

In a day of national action, thousands of Australians united in capital cities and regional centres to pay respects to Cassius and his family and urge for an end to violence and racism.

Cassius was allegedly bashed with a metal pole while walking home from school with friends on October 13.

He had serious head injuries and died in hospital 10 days later.

Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, has been charged with his murder and is due to face a Perth court on November 9.

At Geraldton’s Edith Cowan Square, Aboriginal leaders voiced their concerns and urged authorities to assess the justice system.

Rallies and vigils were held in every capital city on Wednesday, as well as regional cities and towns.

Despite sunshine warming up the crowd of more than 100 people, the sombre mood of the occasion provided a chill in the air. The service began with a minute silence and acknowledgment of country.

Instead of a march, the people at the Geraldton rally were asked to mourn and share tears together. Women at the event gathered in a circle, known culturally as a crying or mourning circle.

Cassius’ mother Mechelle Turvey’s testimony for peace was read to the crowd, sending love to people in Geraldton showing support, peace and awareness for justice.

Those in the crowd were given the opportunity to speak. People who knew Cassius and his family touched on their happy memories.

“I’m sure they are going to get through this tragedy. I want to offer love and respect from the community here and from my mum, Dora Dann, who was great friends,” one speaker said.

Another speaker said: “Children of this country of any ethnic background need to be loved, embraced, supported, appreciated and not hurt on any level. Let’s stand up for our kids.”

Local member for Geraldton Lara Dalton wept on stage as she talked about trying to put herself in the shoes of Cassius’ mother.

“I just couldn’t imagine how heartbreaking it would be to have the same situation to happen to one of my children,” she said.

Similar to a yarning circle, a crying, or mourning, circle is an important cultural process for First Nations people. About 50 supporters in Geraldton sat in a circle that let off an explosion of emotions and cries for justice and end to racism.

The honest interaction inside the circle created a safe space for Indigenous people to grieve and connect with one another.

Jennifer Gregory-Kniveton let out a cry, begging for injustice to end. It was the second crying circle Ms Gregory-Kniveton had organised for the death of a First Nations person, with the first being in the wake of the police shooting death of Yamatji woman JC in 2019.

Speaker Anthony Dann said he was proud to see the community show solidarity with the Turvey family.

“It’s all about showing our support to the family, because it is devastating, what has happened,” he said.

“Everyone’s been affected in one way or another, it’s not just about Aboriginal people coming together, it’s about the entire community being here.”

Mourners lined up to write in a memorial book that will be sent to Ms Turvey full of condolences for the loss of her 15-year-old boy.

The Geraldton rally followed a candlelight vigil attended by more than 150 people at the Mitchell Street Community Centre in Spalding on Monday evening.

More than 40 events honouring Cassius are scheduled this week around the nation, the US and New Zealand.