Through education and change, we can make a difference!

In the late hours of January 20, 2022, tragedy struck the quiet neighbourhood of Buddina, located on the picturesque Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Balin Stewart, a cherished and widely beloved 16-year-old, met a tragic end as he was fatally stabbed just moments before midnight outside his family home. The community was left reeling from the shock and devastation of losing such a vibrant young soul to a senseless act of violence. Despite the valiant efforts of family and friends who desperately tried to revive him, Balin succumbed to a single blow to his chest.

The profound grief, anguish, and fury that swept through the community in the wake of Balin’s untimely passing were immeasurable. Emergency responders grimly acknowledged that the severity of Balin’s wound rendered it not survivable, underscoring the tragic finality of the situation. Even had he been within the immediate vicinity of a hospital at the time of the attack, the outcome would have remained unchanged.

In the face of overwhelming sorrow, Balin’s parents, Michael and Kerri-Lyn, exhibited remarkable resilience and determination. Rather than succumbing to despair, they channelled their anguish into a powerful drive to enact meaningful change within the Sunshine Coast community. Their unwavering commitment to Honor Balin’s memory by fostering positive transformation serves as a beacon of hope amidst the darkest of tragedies.

PRESENTATIONS

Part of enacting positive change, is through our thought provoking presentations given by Balin’s father Michael Stewart. For further information on our presentations and to book one for your school or organisation, please click HERE

 

EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING

Part of enacting positive change, is through our thought provoking presentations given by Balin’s father Michael Stewart. For further information on our presentations and to book one for your school or organisation, please click HERE

 

MERCHANDISE

Part of enacting positive change, is through our thought provoking presentations given by Balin’s father Michael Stewart. For further information on our presentations and to book one for your school or organisation, please click HERE

 

Balin Vogn Stewart

08/09/2005 to 20/01/2022

Following Balin’s tragic death, Michael and Kerri-Lyn have initiated the #BinTheBladeForBalin campaign, driven by the heartfelt desire to spare other families from the profound devastation they themselves have endured. At its core, the campaign advocates for the immediate disposal of knives by anyone who possesses them. The fundamental principle is simple yet powerful: if knives are not readily available during moments of conflict, their potential for inflicting harm is significantly diminished.

Through grassroots activism and community engagement, #BinTheBladeForBalin endeavours to cultivate a safer environment where the specter of knife violence no longer looms over families and communities. By taking proactive measures to address the root causes of such violence and advocating for peaceful conflict resolution strategies, Balin’s legacy will endure as a testament to the enduring power of hope, resilience, and collective action.

There has been a staggering 34% surge in hospital admissions due to assault by knife or sharp objects among individuals aged 15-29 since 2007.

The Balin Stewart Foundation is a
Deductible Gift Recipient. All donations
$2 and over are tax deductible.

Email: info@balinstewartfoundation.org.au