From the desk of oland Rocchiccioli

THE recent VicPol, state-wide, Neighbourhood Policing Forums were initiated to allow senior police command to meet, and discuss concerns and challenges, with residents, stakeholders, and local traders.

Reflecting on the outcomes, and erstwhile events, Ballarat police Inspector, Jason Templar, observed: “Everyone has been deeply touched by the disappearance of Samantha Murphy — even those who did not know her; however, as difficult as it is for her family and friends, we must take care not to allow it to define Ballarat, or any other city, as an unsafe community.”

Understandably, the spate of fatal events has unnerved regional Victoria; a palpable pall of apprehension has descended, creating a fallacious degree of ‘safety-uncertainty’ amongst women, and some men. The detail of the tragedies has been reported both nationally and internationally. Inspector Templar said: “Understandably, much of the media focus following these tragic incidents exacerbates fear and anxiety amongst the community; however, when considered in its entirety, Ballarat is ultimately a safe place to live.”

While the deaths are crushingly heart-breaking, the aftermath of the awfulness, and the depth of public grief, needs be carefully controlled in every aspect of its on-going psychological effect. Such is its overwhelming magnitude — its emotional gravity, the untimely deaths have a potential to sway the normal societal status quo; to create a false impression of the city’s safety. Aberrant anti-social and criminal behaviour must not be allowed to destroy the prevailing zeitgeist, or to sow destructive seeds of alarm in the hearts of residents.

The Inspector continued: “As sad as these incidents are, the collegiate response by the entire community provides a much clearer picture of what is good and honourable in society. Overwhelmingly, spirit-of-community concern should dictate how these women are remembered. Collectively, we must never allow trepidation to shape our lives.

“Sadly, we don’t live in a utopian world. Inherently, there will be, always, associated risks from those people who live on the fringe of our society. For people who do not commit crimes, the actuality should not be feared, but clearly understood.”

Samantha Murphy’s disappearance, together with the deaths of Jill Meagher (2012), Karmein Chan (1991) and Eurydice Dixon (2018), and others, leaves us groping for an explanation — pondering the imponderables; searching for hope — a light in the inky darkness.

Inspector Templar posited: “Risk presents itself from the moment you turn-on the hot water under the shower; risk is present throughout the entire day, regardless. The road toll does not stop us from getting into cars; nor should these tragic, isolated incidents prevent us enjoying every facet of our day-to-day lives. We cannot give way. We must never allow this abhorrent behaviour to define our lives; to curtail our activities.”

Social prophylaxis is a scrouge. Too many are too willing to turn their heads and walk away, expecting police to take-up the societal cudgel and resolve the ‘Wicked Problems’. Flouting of social mores is rampant. The silent majority must exert their will; claim what rightfully belongs to those who value the system. With empathy, and using whatever tactics, we must stall those who choose to ruin the fabric our lives.

We must remember, always, there is more good than evil. Looking for dark shadows where there are none is counter-productive. There is a light on the hill, and while the flame may seem to flicker, and momentarily disappear from our sight, we must carry-on, regardless.

In the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Contact: [email protected]