No matter our colour, our background or country, there would be outrage over the senseless loss of life. 

We would despair for the husbands, brothers and sons who would return to their home to find their families destroyed.

Our society has travelled a distance from the night in 1838 when a massacre of that scale took place on the doorstep of Inverell at Myall Creek.

However, unlike the consistent devastation of European settlers on the country’s first people, Myall Creek stands as the first time white men were tried for their actions.

Of the 11 men found culpable, seven were hanged for the murders.

Our children will soon inherit the history of Myall Creek, and the flagrant crimes against humanity that drove that fateful night.

If the annual ceremony that observes those victims of Myall Creek says anything to us, it should say that we have the ability to learn from each other, and respect.

It also teaches us that we have still a road to travel when to the time when we can look at each other, recognise, and embrace our differences.

The young people and children of our community are also growing up in a district where violence exists.

This violence is not even targeted against those different from ourselves. It exists within our families, against loved ones.

It is witnessed by our children, and sometimes, we put a finger to our lips and instruct the impressionable they dare not speak a word, so they inherit the heavy burden of silence against violence.

If we can speak openly about the legacy of Myall Creek, surely we can open our mouths against the culture of violence that exists within Inverell and the wider community.

Tomorrow, a White Ribbon Day will be held at the Inverell Rugby Park where people, especially men, can learn to take a stand against violence; to speak out and stand as role models for our young people who will be handed our world. People will always battle their own demons, but perhaps we can learn, at least locally, to rise above our sometimes violent tendances.

Maybe we can put away this cycle of violence against each other for good.