WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains an image of a person who has died.
The first name of the victim has also been removed for cultural reasons.
A vigil has been held for a prominent domestic violence campaigner who was allegedly murdered outside the Alice Springs hospital in January.
As a symbol of their mourning, branches from a nearby eucalyptus tree were carried by family and friends to sweep the path nearby the site where they lost R. Rubuntja.
It’s alleged Ms Rubuntja was killed in what Northern Territory police have described as a domestic violence incident.
The proud Arrernte woman was remembered for her wicked sense of humour, and her unwavering determination to reduce family, domestic and sexual violence.
The 46-year-old was a founding member of the Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group, who are known for their work helping women in the central desert.
A friend of Ms Rubuntja and another pioneer in the group spoke to mourners about how the tragic loss should galvanise others to make change, repeating that women are not just numbers.
“We’re just sick of it, there’s a fire in my belly right now, I’ve just had enough, I’ve been in this job for six years and we all need to come together,” she cried.
“Multicultural, Aboriginal and white woman no matter who and where we come from.
“We always say we are not just numbers; we are humans, we are not invisible women.”
As a symbol of their mourning, branches from a nearby eucalyptus tree were carried by family and friends to sweep the path where Ms Rubuntja died.
Aneeta Bhole
The Territory has the nation’s highest victimisation rate for domestic violence-related offences, with a 23 per cent spike in case numbers seen in 2020.
After losing three family members herself and also being a victim of domestic violence, Ms Campbell said what has happened to her friend is ‘unacceptable’.
“Her story matters, her life matters, our sister still matters now she’s gone,” she said.
“We need the truth out now in order to move forward, And the work she did will continue to make a difference this will be part of her legacy.
“On Monday we will march with the fire in our belly and make our voices heard. The fact that women aren’t even safe from violence in our hospital is unacceptable.”
A friend of Ms Rubuntja, Shirleen Campbell, spoke to the mourners.
Aneeta Bhole
Family thanked the women from the safety group for their support during what they said was an extremely difficult time for the community.
“The pain that we feel about a life so suddenly lost in such tragic and violent circumstances … the sadness, grief and loss we feel is indescribable,” said Maree Corbo, the group’s manager.
Flowers were placed at a site outside the Alice Springs Hospital where the incident happened.
Aneeta Bhole
“I know her memory will be kept alive with many, many stories.
“To policy makers, please remember to focus on the person, and after the strategising and funding KPIs, implementation and planning regarding family, domestic and sexual violence, there are real people with real lives.”
Northern Territory police allege 49-year-old Malcolm Abbott drove a vehicle at Ms Rubuntja outside the Alice Springs Hospital and she died at the scene.
Mr Abbott has been charged with one count of murder and three driving offences and will appear in the Alice Springs local court in April.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
