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Virtually Annie's avatar

The way I raced to open my inbox as soon as the notification came up. Yes please do a full write-up on the case - I’m interested in your take! What I’m stuck on is the motive.

But absolutely to the broader commentary about our fascination with female murderers.

Sometimes I think this comes from a reductive view of femininity as ‘gentle and nurturing’, failing to view women as fully actualised human beings capable of dark deeds.

It’s almost like we’re shocked because she isn’t following the script but sadly male violence has become so commonplace it doesn’t shock us when it occurs.

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Andrea Lewis's avatar

Thanks, Clare, for handling this subject with introspection and sensitivity. As a member of the Korumburra community it is really really tricky. There has been immense interest, some thoughtless comments, and media phone calls that have indeed been intrusive.

But it would be disingenuous of me to come down too hard on public interest in the case when I myself have often enjoyed a true crime podcast. Every case has a personal impact on people somewhere, doesn’t it?

But if you will indulge me for a tick, can I just leave a picture for you of those at the heart of this tragedy…?

The Pattersons and the Wilkinsons were just the best. Gail and Heather were avid community ‘givers’. It was almost impossible not to cross paths with them as they sprayed around their goodwill. And although I am not religious myself, it was always a pleasure working on a program with them, as they were so kind and gentle and - you would have loved them!

So this verdict is very tricky.

I am happy for Simon and Ian, whom I’m sure are feeling a sense of justice today. But the void is so immense.

I, like you, lay awake last night picturing Simon sitting the kids down and trying to make some sense of this with them and I don’t know how he did it.

This trial has been murky and fascinating, cruel and intense, and everybody loses. But by far the biggest losers are those two kids. xxx

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