MORE than 100 cars and 25 motorbikes converged on Coolamon Park last week in a massive vehicle convoy, organised to take a firm stand against bulling and violence following an alleged group attack on a 13-year-old boy.
Put together in just 12 hours, the motorcade saw crowds gather before driving to a nearby retail precinct.
Organiser Terry Mason said he quickly mobilised community support after seeing the impact of the incident.
“I knew it was going to be big, just by how my phone was blowing up all night in regard to the posts I put up on Ellenbrook pages,” Mr Mason said.
“It was a hell of a lot bigger than we expected which was amazing really.”
Supporters and car enthusiasts travelled from south of the river and across the metropolitan area to join the convoy after viewing footage of the attack online.
Footage of the violent incident circulated widely online, sparking widespread outrage and resulting in eight youths being arrested and subsequently refused bail at their first appearances.
Having family ties to the area, Mr Mason said the incident hit close to home after learning his nephew had previously been harassed by one of the youths allegedly involved.
“My brother lives in the area and my nephew was harassed by one of the boys in the video,” Mr Mason said.
“So, it really hit home, and yeah it was nice to see the community rally, and that we weren’t alone.”
The rally was designed to send an unequivocal message about bullying and violence in the community isn’t tolerated.
“We don’t accept it,” Mr Mason said.
“It’s just seeming too constant; it just doesn’t go down well with me.
“I think having put so much attention on it and community attention on this issue – the government and the courts – it puts pressure on them and tells them this is unacceptable.”
Reflecting on the night, Mr Mason described meeting the affected teenager and his family as a humbling highlight.
“The best moment for me was actually meeting him and his parents,” Mr Mason said.
“They were so humbled by the community coming together for them.
“He was really in high spirits, and he was blessed to see what the community were doing for him.”
