THE family of alleged domestic violence victim Kierra-Lea Jensen has vowed to continue the fight to install a memorial after Ipswich City Council refused their application.
As reported in last week’s Local Ipswich News, Mayor Teresa Harding was the only councillor to vote in favour of allowing the tribute, and the Council refused the application and resolved to review the policy on memorials.
Kierra-Lea’s sister Shyleen Fazackerley said the family was doing the right thing in seeking Council’s permission to place a cross outside the Leichhardt house where
Kierra-Lea was allegedly murdered and had doorknocked the home and neighbours seeking their approval and was shocked by the Council’s “heartless” response.
“It was disheartening. We see so many tributes that other people have put up on trees, in front of houses, in the middle of a street, on a nature strip … I see them all the time,” she said.
“To see they are not allowing a little cross with a plaque with her name on it, it really frustrates me. It is heartless.”
Kierra-Lea Jensen was allegedly murdered by her de facto partner in July last year.
Kitchel Kevin Shillingsworth was charged with murder (domestic violence) and is yet to face trial on the matter.
Mrs Fazackerley said the family was determined to continue fighting for the cross to be installed.
She said Kierra-Lea lived at the Leichhardt home for many years, the family had many happy memories with her there, and her mother lived within walking distance to the home.
“I think it is insensitive that the Council has rejected this,” she said.
“I know other families and friends who have put up a memorial for people they have lost without asking for permission and they stay there.
“People that want that for their family will do that for their family and that is what we are trying to do.
“Council’s policy needs to be changed.”
During the last Council meeting, Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairman Andrew Antoniolli said no councillors were insensitive to the family’s request.
He said a workshop had been scheduled to review policies on tributes and memorials, and there would be an opportunity for Kierra-Lea’s family to revisit the application if changes were made to the policy.
