Human chain to express continuing community concern over Toyah Cordingley’s murder

Members of the Tropical North Queensland community will this weekend line Wangetti Beach and link hands in a show of support for the family and friends of murder victim Toyah Cordingley.

The event will also include a healing ceremony led by a local Kuku Yulanji traditional owner and people are asked to bring a flower to throw into the water along the four kilometre stretch of coastline.



24 year-old Ms Cordingley was killed when she went to the beach to take her dog for a walk almost three weeks ago.

Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public for a breakthrough in their investigation.

Kewarra Beach resident, Bronwyn Farr, who organised Sunday’s event, has told Tropic Now she’s had difficulty comprehending the violent attack.

“I just couldn’t stop thinking about this crime in our very special part of the world.

“I sounded out some other locals, and we wanted to create an opportunity to show that we care, that this is not acceptable, but to do so in a peaceful, family-friendly way, because that’s who we are. 

“Could we get enough people to form a line, linking hands, and show this family how much we care?” 

The Honour Toyah event has the support of Ms Cordingley’s family, police and the Douglas Shire Council.

Mayor Julia Leu said now is more important than ever for the community to stand up and speak out about gender-based violence.

“What happened in our beautiful shire was absolutely horrendous and sadly, every year we continue talk about these terrible statistics ahead of White Ribbon Day.” 

“I urge the community to get down to Wangetti Beach so we can band together and condemn violence against women,” she said.

Paws and Claws Port Douglas, the animal shelter that Toyah worked with, will accept gold coin donations from the event.

Participants are being told to gather at the southern carpark at 7-AM. 

The human chain will be preceded by the annual White Ribbon Day Walk on Saturday morning.

In Mossman, there’ll be 59 pairs of shoes on display - one for each woman killed by violence in Australia this year.