Young drowning victims remembered

HONOURING LIST: Katherine Plint, with husband Andrew, read poems in honour of late daughter Hannah at the memorial service on National Drowning Prevention and Awareness Day.

Sarah Harvey

THE first Saturday in October is a sorrowful day for Andrew and Katherine Plint, but also a day on which they hope to build a message of national importance.

The weekend's National Drowning and Awareness Day service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church paid tribute to those who have lost their lives to drowning.

It coincides with the death of Mr and Mrs Plint's daughter Hannah, who fell into a backyard swimming pool in 2007, aged two.

On the second anniversary of his daughter's passing, Mr Plint said he and his wife battled with all the emotion involved in organising such an event because they knew they could make a difference.

“It's a very hard day to come out in public, at a memorial service like this, and I admire all the families who were able to make it here,” Mr Plint said.

“We've certainly got a lot more work to do with the prevention and awareness aspects but we're expanding and just doing as much as we can.”

Hannah's Foundation, which was created by the Plints, offers support to other drowning awareness groups in Australian states and territories. Toddler drowning victims' parents travelled from as far away as Western Australia and Victoria to attend Saturday's memorial service.

“They are able to come together now with other families and share their stories and know they are not alone on the journey,” Mr Plint said.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said he had called for a national approach to drowning awareness.

“There has been a significant surge in the number of drownings - particularly amongst young people,” Mr Neumann said.

“I commend Andrew and Katherine for showing a lot of fortitude, courage and commitment to turn their sadness and grief into positive action to help our community.”

The ceremony also featured a timely and touching tribute to the victims of last week's Samoan tsunami, with Samoan community members Tagi and Emma Faanana lighting a memorial candle.

Mr Faanana said Ipswich's response to the tsunami tragedy was something he would never forget.

“I'm travelling overseas on Tuesday and I will relay Ipswich's messages of support to the people of Samoa,” Mr Faanana said.