Through education and change we will make a difference

In the late hours of January 20, 2022, tragedy struck the quiet neighbourhood of Buddina, located on the picturesque Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Balin Stewart, a cherished and widely beloved 16-year-old, met a tragic end as he was fatally stabbed just moments before midnight outside his family home. The community was left reeling from the shock and devastation of losing such a vibrant young soul to a senseless act of violence. Despite the valiant efforts of family and friends who desperately tried to revive him, Balin succumbed to a single blow to his chest.

The profound grief, anguish, and fury that swept through the community in the wake of Balin’s untimely passing were immeasurable. Emergency responders grimly acknowledged that the severity of Balin’s wound rendered it survivable, underscoring the tragic finality of the situation. Even had he been within the immediate vicinity of a hospital at the time of the attack, the outcome would have remained unchanged.

In the face of overwhelming sorrow, Balin’s parents, Michael and Kerri-Lyn, exhibited remarkable resilience and determination. Rather than succumbing to despair, they channelled their anguish into a powerful drive to enact meaningful change within the Sunshine Coast community. Their unwavering commitment to Honor Balin’s memory by fostering positive transformation serves as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of tragedy.