The death of young Kamilaroi man TJ Hickey, 18 years ago on February 14, was marked by protesters marching through Redfern with Gail Hickey, TJ’s mother, leading the march.
The rally was organised by the Hickey family and the Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA). Gail has been fighting for justice since TJ was killed in a police pursuit. He was only 17.
A gathering at TJ Hickey Park in Waterloo, the location of his death, heard from Gail and supporters. The Hickey family is calling for an independent inquiry into TJ’s death.
ISJA member and rally organiser Raul Bassi told the rally that the New South Wales government is planning to tear down the Waterloo public housing towers that surround the park. “This means they will tear up the TJ Hickey park and memorial,” he warned.
ISJA member Faith Black, who chaired the rally, denounced the NSW Police and said: “This is our land, your laws do not apply.
“We have had to suffer colonisation, genocide and the murder of our family members by the police, this has to stop now.”
Protesters marched to the Redfern Police Station, where a police line had been set up. Rachel Evans from Socialist Alliance called for justice for TJ and for all those who have been killed in custody.
[You can support the Hickey family’s campaign for justice by signing the petition.]