Five dead is enough

By Kelly Yates
THE message at last weekend’s Walk for Hallam Road protest was clear and simple – we will get the road duplicated.
Hundreds of residents gathered for the peaceful protest at the intersection of Hallam and Ormond roads in Lynbrook and bowed their heads for a minute’s silence to remember the lives lost at the intersection.
The residents, who are campaigning for the duplication of Hallam Road, braved the cold weather last Saturday and marched to St Kevin’s Primary School car park at 10am.
The walk was organised after one crash at the intersection took four lives and a second killed a young woman.
Hampton Park local Nema Singh marched with a hand-painted sign reading, “Cost 5 lives to get traffic lights.”
Local resident Kevin Read said he took part in the walk because he felt it was the right thing to do. “It’s sad because it could have been prevented. But it seems that authorities wait until people die before they do anything,” he said.
Nicky Dykes-Johnson from Narre Warren South said she joined the protest in memory of the teenagers who were killed. “It’s ridiculous that this road still isn’t duplicated. We’ve already lost five lives,” she said.
Endeavour Hills singer Madison Pritchett sang a version of Hallelujah while five doves were released, one to remember each of the lives lost at the intersection.
Organiser Erica Maliki said the community was taking the first steps to getting Hallam Road upgraded.
Residents had the opportunity to sign a petition on the day, which will be presented to Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley, who also took part in the march.
Casey TMU Sergeant Pat McGavigan said he was happy with the behaviour of the crowds at the protest.
“Everyone was doing the right thing. They were making a statement and the police were supporting that,” he said.