Support for balloon tribute to Jai | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

BALLOON BOY: Year 7 Mullumbimby High School student Danyon Saxe-Wilson is calling for Australians to attach colourful balloons to their letterboxes in memory of school mate Jai Morcom.

Richard Low

Poll

Will you fly a balloon for Jai?

This poll ended on 28 February 2010.

Yes

85%

No

14%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

DANYON SAXE-WILSON'S plan to have Australians tie balloons to their letterboxes as a message of peace to mark Jai Morcom's death took flight in NSW Parliament today.

Ballina MP Don Page made a long condolence speech in the State Lower House yesterday in tribute to the Year 9 Mullumbimby High School student.

In the speech he raised 13-year-old Dan- yon's idea of flying balloons from letterboxes on Saturday to coincide with a public memorial service.

“There is a move to get everyone to fly a blue balloon on their letterbox as a sign of peace next Saturday, the day of Jai's funeral, and I support that initiative,” he told Parliament.

Mr Page said Jai's death raised the need for an investigation into bullying and violence in schools, but warned against blaming Mullumbimby High itself.

“Much has been said in the media about this tragedy in connection with bullying in our schools and beyond, the apparent acceptance by some young people that violence can be used as a means for settling conflict, and possible problems within the school itself including overcrowding and inadequate seating in the school grounds.

“There are important issues to be investigated and that must occur.”

He also passed on his sympathies to Jai's family and friends.

“On behalf of Opposition members of this House and I'm sure independent members, I join with the Minister and the Government in extending our deepest sympathy to Jai's mother, Kim Morcom, his father Steve Drummond, his sisters, Kyra and Jade, and his brother Mayo,” he said.

Danyon's mother, Melinda Saxe, has posted information about her son's idea on the social networking website, Facebook, through a group called 'RIP Jai Morcom'.

Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell has also added her support to Danyon's plan.

“The Lismore community's thoughts are with Jai's family, friends, school and the people of Mullumbimby,” she said.

“A balloon reminds us of happy times where there is no place for anger.

“In tying a balloon to our letterbox we can reflect on the need for peace in our homes, workplaces, schools and in our community.”

A community memorial for Jai is scheduled for Saturday at 11am at Heritage Park in Mullumbimby.

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