A PETITION of 600 signatures is helping in the struggle to secure a memorial bench at Shepherds Lookout, in honour of the late Brontë Haskins.

Brontë died by suicide in 2020, at the age of 23, while experiencing significant mental health and substance issues.

She had previously shared that Shepherds Lookout was her favourite place to just “be”.

Shadow attorney-general Peter Cain said 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.

“I believe their rejection represents very poor judgement, as Brontë’s legacy deserves to be memorialised,” said Cain.

“Brontë saved a fellow venturer from drowning in 2011, while also saving a further four lives by donating her organs through ‘Donate Life’.”

Cain brought forward the 600 signatures today (October 12), saying the signatures, many from Ginninderra and surrounding suburbs, showed how passionate people in the area are about the bench being constructed.

“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 the installation,” said Cain.

Cain says it is promising that some Labor and Greens MLAs 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,” he said.

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