Cassius Turvey's mum calls for 'calm and peace' ahead of rallies

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased.

The first of many vigils and rallies being held across the country today in honour of the life of Cassius Turvey is underway in Perth.

The 15-year-old boy was walking home from school in Perth when he was allegedly beaten with a metal pole.

He was initially discharged from hospital but returned after suffering seizures. He was placed into an induced coma but later died.

Noongar teenager Cassius Turvey died after allegedly being beaten while walking home from school.

Cassius' mother Mechelle Turvey has written and released a "heartfelt statement" to be read at the dozens of gatherings, calling for "calm and peace".

"I don't want any more violence, I am the only person who can get justice for my son; stand alongside me, and I appreciate everyone, but I need to call out for calm, I am angry, Cassius' friends and family are angry, I don't want any form of violence at any of these rallies in the name of my child," she wrote.

"Violence breeds violence, I want calm and peace."

Saraia Radcliffe, 15, and Malakai Eades, 16, were at the Perth rally for Cassius Turvey on Wednesday to pay their respects. Saraia was a friend of Cassius, and born on the same day in the same hospital. She said he was like a brother to her, and she was mourning his loss. https://twitter.com/GenoveseMichael/status/1587668429657767938

She described her son as a "shining star" and a "people lover" who was "the heart and soul of our community".

Turvey criticised the police response after Cassius was allegedly attacked and called on the government to "invest in eliminating youth violence".

Speaking to Today this morning, the grieving mother said the generosity of the public in paying their respects has meant a lot.

"It's actually helping us all with our healing day-by-day," Turvey said.

Jack Brearley, 21, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and stealing.

At a vigil at Midlands Oval in Perth yesterday, Turvey said there would be rallies across Australia, New Zealand, and the US.

"We know racism exists, but do not use my son's tragedy as a platform to blow your trumpets," she said.

More than 40 rallies are expected to take place overall.

Western Australia's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti echoed Turvey's call.

"We should be championing his life … and not use his situation for anyone's own personal campaign," he said.

Where the major rallies are happening today

NSW

Sydney – 6pm, Town Hall

Mount Druitt – 6.30pm, Corner of Carlisle Avenue and Luxford Road

Newcastle – 6pm, Civic Park

Wollongong – 5.30pm, McCabe Park

Wagga Wagga – 5.30pm, Ngurra Hub

Victoria

Melbourne – 6pm, Aboriginal Advancement League

Geelong – 6pm, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative

Ballarat – 6pm, Alfred Deakin Place

Western Australia

Perth – 12.30pm, Forrest Place

Albany – 6.30pm, Town Hall

Geraldton – 2.10pm, Edith Cowan Square

Broome – 3.30pm, Broome courthouse

Queensland

Brisbane – 6pm, King George Square

Cairns – 7pm, Cairns City Library

Townsville – 10am, Strand Rockpool

South Australia

Adelaide – 3.30pm, Victoria Square

Northern Territory

Darwin – 5.30pm, Rapid Creek Bridge

Alice Springs – 6pm, Alice Springs courthouse

ACT

Canberra – 6pm, Aboriginal Tent Embassy

Find the full list online here.