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Morwell Community Holds Peace March Against Violence After Teenager's Death - Morwell, VIC
Smart summary
Around 300 people walked through Morwell to remember Kaiden Morgan-Johnston one year after his death and call for safer streets across the Latrobe Valley.
Around 300 people have gathered in Morwell, Victoria, for a community peace march marking one year since the death of 18-year-old Kaiden Morgan-Johnston.
The march brought together families, young people and community members who have lost loved ones to violence. Participants walked through Morwell's main street before gathering at a local park to remember those who had died and speak about preventing further violence in the Latrobe Valley.
Kaiden Morgan-Johnston was allegedly killed about 500 metres from his Morwell home after watching the AFL grand final with his mother the previous year. Police have alleged that three people were involved in his death. The anniversary prompted his mother, Sascha Johnston, to organise the community gathering.
Ms Johnston told the crowd that the community wanted safer streets and urged young people not to turn to weapons or violence. She said the gathering was intended to use peaceful action to raise awareness about the consequences of violence and remember young lives lost.
The march also included families affected by other violent deaths in the Latrobe Valley. Relatives of murdered GP Dr Ashley Gordon and Roy Poole joined the event, highlighting how the effects of violent deaths can continue for families long after a crime has occurred.
Dr Gordon, who grew up in the Latrobe Valley, was killed in 2024 after confronting a group of young people who had allegedly broken into his home. His sister Natalie Gordon has since spoken publicly about preventing knife crime and improving community safety.
The family of Roy Poole, who was killed in Moe in 2011, also took part. His sister Bec Kennedy spoke about the continuing impact of losing a family member to violence and said the experience had made participating in the march particularly significant for her.
The event focused on community remembrance rather than confrontation. Participants carried messages opposing weapons and violence, while young people were encouraged to consider peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Matt Gleeson said police supported the rally and acknowledged its role in raising awareness about violence in the community. Police reported that the gathering passed without problems.
The event comes amid continuing discussion about youth crime and weapons in the Latrobe Valley. Recent Crime Statistics Agency data cited by ABC News indicates the Latrobe Valley recorded the highest rate of criminal incidents in Victoria outside the City of Melbourne.
For Kaiden's family, the anniversary was an opportunity to remember his life while continuing to advocate for safer communities. The march brought together people affected by different incidents of violence and gave them a public platform to call for change.
The gathering concluded with community members sharing memories and messages about safety, responsibility and the importance of protecting young people.
CommunityViolencePeopleMarchYoung
Around 300 people have gathered in Morwell, Victoria, for a community peace march marking one year since the death of 18-year-old Kaiden Morgan-Johnston.
The march brought together families, young people and community members who have lost loved ones to violence. Participants walked through Morwell's main street before gathering at a local park to remember those who had died and speak about preventing further violence in the Latrobe Valley.
Kaiden Morgan-Johnston was allegedly killed about 500 metres from his Morwell home after watching the AFL grand final with his mother the previous year. Police have alleged that three people were involved in his death. The anniversary prompted his mother, Sascha Johnston, to organise the community gathering.
Ms Johnston told the crowd that the community wanted safer streets and urged young people not to turn to weapons or violence. She said the gathering was intended to use peaceful action to raise awareness about the consequences of violence and remember young lives lost.
The march also included families affected by other violent deaths in the Latrobe Valley. Relatives of murdered GP Dr Ashley Gordon and Roy Poole joined the event, highlighting how the effects of violent deaths can continue for families long after a crime has occurred.
Dr Gordon, who grew up in the Latrobe Valley, was killed in 2024 after confronting a group of young people who had allegedly broken into his home. His sister Natalie Gordon has since spoken publicly about preventing knife crime and improving community safety.
The family of Roy Poole, who was killed in Moe in 2011, also took part. His sister Bec Kennedy spoke about the continuing impact of losing a family member to violence and said the experience had made participating in the march particularly significant for her.
The event focused on community remembrance rather than confrontation. Participants carried messages opposing weapons and violence, while young people were encouraged to consider peaceful ways of resolving conflicts.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Matt Gleeson said police supported the rally and acknowledged its role in raising awareness about violence in the community. Police reported that the gathering passed without problems.
The event comes amid continuing discussion about youth crime and weapons in the Latrobe Valley. Recent Crime Statistics Agency data cited by ABC News indicates the Latrobe Valley recorded the highest rate of criminal incidents in Victoria outside the City of Melbourne.
For Kaiden's family, the anniversary was an opportunity to remember his life while continuing to advocate for safer communities. The march brought together people affected by different incidents of violence and gave them a public platform to call for change.
The gathering concluded with community members sharing memories and messages about safety, responsibility and the importance of protecting young people.
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