Today, Liberal MLA for Ginninderra Peter Cain brought forward a petition, with almost 600 signatures, requesting the construction of a memorial bench at Shepherds Lookout in honour of the late Brontë Haskins.

Brontë tragically passed away in 2020 at the age of just 23, while experiencing significant mental health and substance issues in her short life. Shepherds Lookout was her favourite place to just ‘be’.

Mr Cain said these signatures, many from Ginninderra and surrounding suburbs, showed how passionate people in the area are about the bench being constructed.

“The Government has previously rejected calls to install the bench, citing regulations that only permit ACT Government funded memorials for members of the community who have provided significant contributions,” Mr Cain said.

“I believe their rejection represents very poor judgment, as Brontë’s legacy deserves to be memorialised. Brontë saved a fellow Venturer from drowning in 2011, while also saving a further four lives by donating her organs through ‘Donate Life’.

“The bench will be of public use, as a place to rest, relax and overlook the winding Murrumbidgee River, as Brontë once did. Brontë’s parents, Janine and Peter, have even offered to pay for its installation.

“It is promising that some Labor and Greens MLA’s have pledged their support for the bench.

“I am glad that we might, at last, see a favourable outcome for Brontë and her loved ones”, Mr Cain concluded.