New signage will be installed at Tim Neville Arboretum, recognising the existing decorative tiles installed as a memorial to local Port Arthur victim, Sarah Loughton.
15-year-old Sarah was one of the 35 people tragically killed in the Port Arthur massacre in April 1996, while her mother Carolyn was shot and injured.
At the time of her death, Sarah and her mother were living in Ferntree Gully. In response to the tragedy, Sarah’s schoolmates created a collection of memorial tiles, which were later installed at the Tim Neville Arboretum on what is known as Sarah’s Walk.
With the addition of new signage, the installation will now be clearly marked as Sarah’s Walk and Council will work in consultation with Carolyn Loughton to explore appropriate ways to acknowledge the history and significance of the memorial.
Knox City Council Mayor, Cr Lisa Cooper said signage would ensure the existing memorial was properly recognised for Sarah’s family and the wider community.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, which remains one of the darkest days in Australia’s history,” said Cr Cooper.
“The legacy of this tragic event is the tightened gun control laws that were introduced in its wake, in large part due to the passionate advocacy of people like Carolyn Loughton, who continued to lend her voice to ensuring no more families experience what she has had to endure.
“Few of us can truly understand the lasting impact this event has had on Sarah’s family, but we can continue to honour them by clearly signposting Sarah’s memorial, allowing more of our community to understand its significance and reflect on the tragic and historic event it commemorates.”
