Town of Cambridge Denounces Family and Domestic Violence

Published on 27 May 2024

Comments attributed to the Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events of Friday, 24 May, where a horrific act of gun violence shattered the ordinarily peaceful family life of the Petelczycs, resulting in a devastating triple murder-suicide.

“The Town extends our heartfelt sympathies to the Petelczyc’s surviving daughter, family, and friends of the victims, and to all those who have been affected by this senseless act.

“During this difficult time, it is important that we come together to support one another, and the Town will do its best to wrap its arms around those impacted and who are grieving.

“We unequivocally condemned all acts of family and domestic violence, and violence against women. Such actions have no place in our society.

“Jennifer, her late husband Jon, and Gretl were all active, well-respected members of the Cambridge community whose contributions to making our local community a better place will be greatly missed.”

As part of our commitment to raising awareness, the Town is engaged in the Purple Bench Project, honouring those affected by domestic violence with purple benches displaying a helpline number for support. These benches are at Lake Monger, Perry Lakes, Harborne Park, and City Beach Foreshore.

Residents are urged to familiarise themselves with these locations and the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline number.

In an emergency, call the police on 000 (triple zero).

For non-emergency support, contact: