Thursday, 28 November 2024

 Brad ROWSWELL (Sandringham) (11:10): It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, two beautiful young women from my community who tragically died on Thursday 21 November and Friday 22 November respectively in Laos last week.

Bianca and Holly were best friends living their best life, on the trip of a lifetime to explore the world, a well-trodden path for young Australians. Bianca and Holly were teammates at Beaumaris Football Club, the Sharks. Holly graduated from Beaumaris Secondary College last year, a member of their foundation class. Holly’s father Shaun has publicly remembered her for the joy she brought to their lives and the kindness she showed to others. I was struck by a moving tribute from Holly’s boss at Frank’s, a Cheltenham cafe. He said:

Holly was the best of us … Believe me when I say that I couldn’t fault her.

Bianca was a cherished daughter and sister. She graduated from Mentone Girls’ Grammar last year. Bianca’s friends and family will remember her for her infectious smile, tenacity and dedication to those around her. Her father Mark said:

Bianca wanted to explore the world, make new friends, lead and create change for good.

The Jones and Bowles families have been overwhelmed by the support of our local community during this difficult time. Friends of Holly and Bianca have adorned our community with blue and yellow ribbons in their memory. The local football club has also flown Holly and Bianca’s premiership flag from 2022 at half-mast. Local service providers, the Better Health Network, Family Life, Headspace, Bayside and Kingston councils, local police, the girls’ schools and our local federal member have all said yes to helping coordinate community support, and then there is the incredible support received through the GoFundMe page. Our hearts are broken. Vale, Bianca and Holly.