www.firstnationstelegraph.com
Leaders call for justice as mother of seven is buried by Joyce Capewell 3 November 2013
W
Joyce Capewell
ith much sadness in the air, hundreds of the Yamaji people and their friends gathered in Geraldton to pay their last respects to Christine Ryan, known affectionately as Pie – who tragically died, along with her friend Horace Bynder, in a double hit-and-run car accident in Geraldton on October 5. It has been harrowing, anxious and heartbreaking weeks for Geraldton’s Yamaji community since the deaths of Pie and Ozzie (Bynder). For the many hundreds of people who attended the funeral of Christine, it was a heart wrenching time. Especially so when her children called out in vain for their dear ‘Mummy’ as her coffin was lowered into the grave; the youngest being 2 and 4 years old. Mourners grieved with Christine’s seven children, her husband and family, such was the huge impact on them all of someone so loved by many. I spoke with the father of Christine, Mr Wayne Warner. And as sad as he was he stood firm and tall; the rock for his family to lean on, especially all his loved
grandchildren in the weeks and years to come living without their mother. Christine’s husband’s anguish was quite clearly shown on his face throughout the service and burial. I managed to speak with him a couple of minutes, and he stated he was still reeling from shock of her untimely death. The future of these young children and their father is uncertain and will be a continuous struggle for them all. The Yamaji Community now anxiously await the court appearance of the driver of the vehicle that caused the deaths of Christine and Ozzie. A Rally calling for Justice for Pie and Ozzie will also be held on November 7 outside the Geraldton Courthouse on the same day. The Yamaji Community will continue to fight the cause for
Mourners at the funeral of Christine (Pie) Ryan in Geraldton last Friday. Images supplied
justice until justice is served, and we Aboriginals are treated without prejudice and with equal rights, by the Government justice system. We won’t give up protesting until justice is done.
Page 1