Wednesday, 4 August 2021

Indie Fitzgerald

Ms KILKENNY (Carrum) (09:55): Many people in my local community knew Indie and her incredible mother, Bec Lawford. Indie was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, an ultra rare neurodegenerative disorder which causes a progressive loss of vision and physical and mental skills. It is usually diagnosed by two years of age, and thereafter there is often a rapid onset of motor and intellectual regression. Since Indie’s diagnosis, many people, but particularly the Carrum Downs and Seaford communities, have travelled the journey over the years with Indie and Bec, holding fundraisers, trivia nights and play centre get-togethers—helping to support and give the best possible life to Indie and her amazing mum, Bec.

I met Indie at her sixth birthday party at Lollipop’s Playland in Carrum Downs. I was absolutely taken with the compassion and generosity from our local community. There was Rhiannon Webb-Glass, who cut off her beautiful long hair to raise nearly $6000 for Indie. The Seaford Junior Football Club supported Indie too. Narelle and her family donated their accessible car to Bec following the loss of their own son, Lachie, after hearing Bec and Indie’s story on the radio back in 2019. And there is the Wynn family: Sue, Indie’s godmother; Sienna, Indie’s best friend; and Andy and family, who have provided the most incredible and enduring support for Bec and little Indie.

Needless to say, our community was heartbroken to learn that little Indie passed away on 21 July. She was only nine years old, but in that short time she had a big impact. To Bec and Ivy, Indie’s little sister, I pass on my deepest sympathies. Your love for Indie was immense. Indie could not have had a more courageous, selfless, brave fighter for a mother. To Sue, Andy, Sienna and family, Indie could not have had a more supportive and loving extended family.