Forbes community walks to remember mother Molly Ticehurst, allegedly killed in domestic violence murder
/ By Joanna Woodburn, Lani Oataway, and Emma SiossianMolly Ticehurst's home town has paid an emotional tribute to the young mum on Mother's Day.
Hundreds of people have gathered at a park in Forbes in central western New South Wales for a walk in memory of the 28-year-old.
Ms Ticehurst was allegedly killed by a former partner at a Forbes home last month.
Daniel Billings, who was on bail at the time of the alleged incident, has been charged with her murder.
On Sunday morning, members of the community walked around Lake Forbes dressed in bright colours, with many people wearing T-shirts bearing Ms Ticehurst's face and the words, "Her name is Molly," to honour the life of the childcare worker.
Others including Ms Ticehurst's aunt and uncle, Debbie and Fred Brown, carried placards expressing their love for their niece.
Mr Brown said he was grateful for the community's ongoing support.
"It's been hard over the last couple of weeks, but it's good to see so much support around town and how people support each other," he said.
"It's hard but, you know, it's good to see that things are going to change out of this, which is one of the best things."
At the start of Molly's Walk, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller held back tears as she described Ms Ticehurst as a much-loved member of the community.
"Molly Ticehurt's beautiful smile gives you insight into the strong and lovely young woman she was," Cr Miller said.
"We pay tribute to you, Molly, a dedicated educator and even a more dedicated mum. It is fitting and heartbreaking today that it is Mother's Day.
"A vibrant and positive teacher Molly has touched the lives of thousands of children in our community … Molly made everything an adventure for her family and of course for all her friends, we are heartbroken."
Family spokesperson Jacinda Acheson urged the crowd to remember Ms Ticehurst and said the turnout was "absolutely amazing".
"Molly was everything beautiful and funny. She would be absolutely loving all of the attention from everybody," she said.
"We want to continue to raise money for Molly's son.
"Just hold on to each other today. Happy Mother's Day to each and every mum out there, and happy Mother's Day to each and every mum who can't be here today."
Calls for NSW bail law reform
Family and friends of Ms Ticehurst are calling for legislative change in New South Wales to ensure authorities know at all times the location of people on bail when they are facing domestic violence charges, through the use of monitoring devices.
Ms Acheson said legislative changes should ensure authorities like police were notified if alleged domestic violence perpetrators breached bail or other court directions.
"We need to raise awareness. Magistrates really need to think of the victims, instead of the perpetrators," Ms Acheson said.
"And we just need to keep their names alive because if we be quiet, they will stop listening."
Under current laws, police prosecutors are also unable to immediately challenge dangerous bail decisions in New South Wales because violence against women is not considered a "serious" crime under bail review laws.
Proposals will be presented to the NSW cabinet on Monday which would make it harder for serious domestic violence (DV) offenders to get bail.
The changes being considered would also limit bail decisions by registrars, in favour of magistrates, in serious domestic violence cases.
The government is still considering the expanded use of ankle-bracelet monitoring for alleged DV offenders.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said on Sunday that making changes to improve the safety of women was "a big priority" for the government.
"The Premier has made it clear we need to improve the current arrangements in relation to bail," he said.
"We are obviously focused on those high-risk offenders and focused on doing what we can as a government to keep women safe.
"Today, on Mother's Day, it's a stark reminder that there are families today mourning the loss of women who have been taken in the most horrific circumstances."