The shocked community of Wangaratta is searching for a way to understand the tragedy that occurred when 11-year-old Zoe Buttigieg was killed in her home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A large gathering is expected on Tuesday evening at Kiwanis Park, near the Inchbold Street home where the girl died, for a candlelight vigil for the community to grieve together.
A 29-year-old Mildura man is under police guard at the Kerferd psychiatric ward following the incident.
Wangaratta’s Lauren Bittner said she did not know the family of the girl, but had an 11-year-old daughter herself.
She wanted to set up a tribute to help those who are struggling to comprehend something so awful, so close to home.
“I think it’s times like these, it’s important we come together as a community,” she said.
“I’m a parent and I can’t imagine this happening to my daughter.”
The community is invited to bring a candle to the park, where the young girl used to walk her dog.
Mrs Bittner said this time is particularly hard for other children to understand.
“It’s gut-wrenching, how do you explain that stuff to your kids?” she said.
She said people are naturally fearful of death, so the vigil would give families a chance to say goodbye.
Zoe’s family will be on the minds of many.
“It would be nice for them to see the community has support for them,” Mrs Bittner said.
The Facebook page “Wangaratta Family Candlelight Vigil” already had hundreds of likes on Monday.
The vigil will begin at 7pm at the Howard Crescent park.
