Denise and Bruce Morcombe
We should never have heard of the Morcombe family. They should have been some pleasantly anonymous Sunshine Coast couple, running their business, stressing about their son’s choice of girlfriends and planning for their retirement.
But everyone in Australia does know Bruce and Denise Morcombe, and when their beautiful boy Daniel is buried today – 9 years after his abduction – Australia will be crying with them.
Because when Daniel was taken, a little part of all of us… crumpled. That crumbled part was our belief that of course a 13-year-old boy could catch a bus to the shops alone and come home – safely.
These two remarkable people have taken their grief and turned it into something positive, taking to the road for weeks at a time, visiting schools and talking about personal safety.
You’d think if anyone was going to say, ‘Never let your kids out of your sight,’ it’d be the Morcombes but no. Their message is one of community and empowerment. Kids should be able to walk to school, catch buses and go shopping but they need to be taught how to avoid finding themselves in situations that they can’t control.
Thanks to Bruce and Denise and the foundation they have set up in Daniel’s honour, Queensland schools implemented a personal safety program in 2012 – and it’s not about scaring kids and parents witless, it’s about making kids act safe and smart.
Last year, Mamamia contacted the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and we were humbled when Bruce himself called us back. We discovered that in addition to being a still grieving dad, he’s a man on a mission.
Bruce sent us a copy of the notes he uses when he and Denise visit schools and from those, and using the information available at the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, www.childsafety.org.au and www.beingsafetysmart.com.au we’ve put together a summary of the Morcombes’ message to our kids:
DANIEL
Our son Daniel did not get a second chance. His legacy is that you can learn from this tragic event and make sure it does not happen again.
1. When you can, stay with a friend. Even if you have a fight with your mate, don’t go off alone.
2. Be observant. Notice who’s around you and what they’re doing.
3. Have a family password. Something like your favourite food – lasagne, for example. If a person says they are meant to pick you up, test them on the password.
4. With your parents, make a list of 5 adults you trust. If you ever feel uneasy about anybody or anything, tell one of these people and know you won’t get into trouble. If you feel you’re not being listened to, try someone else.
Daniel should be alive today.
He should be finishing up a day of uni or TAFE or work and heading out to party with his mates tonight.
But he isn’t.
Instead his beloved friends and family will be gathering to remember and to celebrate his short life.
And for the rest of us, the date of his funeral seems a fitting time to honour his memory and make good on his legacy.
Share this post with a parent today and together let’s all teach our kids to be smart and savvy about their own safety and keep our communities secure and supportive.
Comments
35 Comments so far
Daniel was my age, and I’ve caught the bus he was hailing numerous times on my way to Sunshine Plaza. It’s a bit rattling to consider the life that I am living and he is missing. There are no words
RIP Daniel – know that your parents honour your memory and your legacy will help to protect children throughout Australia. Your parents positivity and proactivity during this tragedy is breathtaking and my respect for them is infinite.
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This is one of the saddest experiences for this poor boy, having three sons, two of whom are named Daniel and Bradley like the Morcombes boys I cannot imagine what these poor parents have endured, I know I would not have made it to today. I am absolutely embarassed to read evidence given by people who saw him struggle, were on the bus and saw a weirdo standing near him when the bus didnt stop, and more absolutely disgusting, saw a man throwing violent punches into something on the back seat of the car, one even describing seeing a childs foot kick up near the window yet NOT ALL OF THEM REPORTED THIS IMMEDIATELY to the police, I cannot understand this? It really is probably the thing that is most disturbing. There are low lifes out there but I think Australians should all be subject to mandatory reporting, if you suspect a child (or a person for that matter) is at risk or in danger it should be a legal requirement that we all report this immediately with as much detail as possible. Stop minding your own business Australia……if you arent in a situation to get out of your car and help, atleast report it immediately to police so that someone can help. It is simply just being scared and ignorant to think it is none of your business.
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I agree, this is what gets me the most about this case. The number of people who could have helped. I know I will always do something and have added the Police number to my mobile – 131444 just in case I ever see anything suspicious. I hope others will do the some for my boys if they are ever in trouble. RIP Daniel
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I’m crying. These are the most amazing parents! I will keep a copy of these tips and talk to my kids about them when they are a bit older.
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Kudos also to his parents for sticking in there and insisting on an inquiry into his death which led to police pursuing the person who took him until they could be reunited with his remains.
While there is no magic potion to keep you safe, the points above are very useful to increase the odds in your favour.
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Thanks MM for posting these tips again. I read them the first time and I’ll read them again and again and implement this great advice.
My heart literally bleeds for this family and what they have endured.
They are remarkable people.
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Another safety tip for parents of older kids is when they take a taxi to text the taxi plate number to someone who is at their destination. This came in handy when my daughter came home and the taxi backed into our neighbors car and just sped off.
I told them to do this because when I was young I sometimes felt unsafe in taxis. I also used to get out a few houses away from where I lived.
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Our 4 year old son became separated from a group of family and friends at a busy market. He was missing for an hour before being found safely by neighbours, amazingly he had walked home. The hour he was missing was torture for us. That feeling you get when you momentarily can’t see your child doesn’t go way, it keeps coming in waves. On this day I thought of the Morcombe family, for the first time since Daniel’s disappearance I got a tiny glimpse of the terrible experience this family has been through. It is truly unimaginable. To have turned this situation into something positive is admirable, they must be incredible people and I hope their messages about child safety continue to be heard far and wide. Rest in peace Daniel.
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My 5 year old son went missing for fifteen minutes at a market and for someone who is generally pretty chilled out (to a fault) I went from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds. I was BESIDE MYSELF.
I’m just sobbing, sobbing, sobbing. This story has always bean heart-wrenching for me and now with two boys of my own, it’s so hard to bear. What wonderful people the Morcombes are. Just amazing to turn something so horrible into something positive. I didn’t realise that that there were so many witnesses too. I try and keep very aware of what is going on around me and report anything dodgy. It’s amazing how ‘good manners’ or not wanting to come across as paranoid or a busy body can get in the way though. For instance, one night last year our car pulled up beside a car with two scruffy looking middle aged men in the front. Their dodgy looks kind of alerted me then I saw a comatose young Asian woman lolling around in the back seat.
At first I wanted to follow them but we had my kids in the car. When I went to call the police (after noting their car model and number plate) Even then, there was a moment where I thought. Ah, maybe I shouldn’t? Maybe she’s just asleep? My partner ended up making the call and the police were very, very interested. It’s these little things – all added up together – that can lead to possibly saving a life, I guess.
Rest in peace now darling Daniel.
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The morcombes are truly amazing people advocating for child safety when their beautiful Daniel is the “example” we can use to illustrate stranger danger. I always tear up when I see Daniel’s photo and I automatically think of his brave and generous parents honoring his memory in such a public way.
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The Morcombe family have touched my heart forever. RIP Daniel, you beautiful boy. What a wonderful loving family you have.
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I still feel so, so sad when I see pictures of Daniel. Even 9 years later it still hits me in the guts … every time. He could be any of our sons or daughters. I cannot watch the video but I heed the advice from Denise and Bruce and will discuss this with my boys ASAP. We should all do this.
RIP Daniel. Love to Denise, Bruce and family.
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I still feel so, so sad when I see pictures of Daniel. Even 9 years later it still hits me in the guts … every time. He could be any of our sons or daughters. I cannot watch the video but I heed the advice from Denise and Bruce and will discuss this with my boys ASAP. We should all do this.
RIP Daniel. Love to Denise, Bruce and family.
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Sorry to sound like a debbie downer but… there are no real safety measures to protect children against predators. Predators are not scared of the law, maybe they should make the laws very tough on predators as a deterrent.
These people are sick in the head and will do everything to gratify themselves.
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Oh hear hear! Really, the violent rapists should be castrated. Honestly, if there was a really shocking horrible consequence, maybe these evil people would think twice?
Even if the perpetrator totally rehabilitated (and I believe in rehabilitation) the castration is the legacy they have to deal with for the rest of their lives. Just a small price to pay compared to what their victim’s families have to go through.
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All my love prayers and thoughts toward this beautiful family.I know Daniel is in a peaceful place.
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I hope that finally little Daniel will be able to rest in peace and that his Mum,Dad & brothers will all be given some relief from the torture they have endured. They are wonderful people.
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Great tips and reminders for us all. Thoughts and heart with the Morcombe’s today as they finally farewell Daniel. RIP little man, RIP.
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When we will learn that safety is as much of an illusion as the easter bunny. No-one is safe whether you are 13, 23, or 43. And all it takes is 2 seconds of letting your guard down to be gone, lost to a monster. Always be on your guard, do not let friends, children, aunties walk alone ever. Don’t give anyone the opportunity. Lock your doors, cars, and hope for the best. Pick your kids up from school and drop them home. But never assume that you or anyone else is safe. It’s a harsh reality but it’s true.
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I do not for a minute believe “our world” (in Australia, that is) is so terrifyingly unsafe as you make it sound. Perhaps you have had some bad experiences, and if so you have my sympathy. But no one needs to live their life that way. We are safer than we have ever been in history. Bad things will always happen, unfortunately. But so infrequently that they make national and international headlines when they do, which I suggest proves my point. Life is for living and enjoying, not for hiding away and worrying about what might happen to one in a million people. Let’s keep things in perspective.
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Jay, this is crazy. Unfortunately there have always been child abductions and murders by strangers , both very rare. it is more important to create aware , smart kids who exude confidence. Predators pickup on timidity and weakness. Teach your kids to be assertive.
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You’re really overreacting. If we lived in say, Somalia, or Afghanistan, I might just agree with you. Yes, bad things can and do happen, but not to the extent you’re saying.
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The sickening thing is that while what happened to Daniel is devastating, it is rare. Most preyed upon children are mistreated behind those locked doors you speak of – by people they trust. Don’t be blind.
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the 7 tips all parents should teach their kids, but isn’t it a shame that kids need to be taught these, god help anyone who hurts mine,
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Great tips, the Morcombe’s are really inspirational and courageous for all the work they do. Number 7 is a good tip for everyone to listen too and follow, if you feel unsafe, don’t feel silly for making a scene, it could save your life!
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I fully support what the Morcombes have done for children while grieving the loss of their own boy, however.. I remember being 13. I was not capable of looking after myself. I could not defend myself against an attacker, I would walk to the shops alone oblivious to the world around me because i “assumed” I was safe, and as most 13 year olds are, I was very naive. I really don’t think 13 is old enough to be off alone. With a few friends, absolutely as yes, kids need some independence. On that note my thoughts are with th Morcombes, they are an amazing family, I wish them strength on what will be a very emotional day for them. RIP Daniel x
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But isn’t it a sad world when 13 years olds are not safe in their own communities
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Hey Amanda, You’re right. Thirteen year olds are still kids, that’s why Bruce and Denise’s first rule is that kids should stick together. Kids are safer in numbers, that’s why I think we should encourage our kids to get out and about in our neighbourhoods, but to stay wioth their mates and pay attention to what’s going on around them. To kids, that doesn’t come naturally, it’s learned – there’s no magic age it kicks in.
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13 year olds fight wars in som countries. it is about enabling kids to make good decisions and to stick together. The world is not full of crazies praying on kids. By cotton wooing them your preventing them from learning how to make good decisions.
At 13 I could catch a bus and get about. Most kids can.
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The existence of 13 yr old child soldiers isn’t usually seen to be a sign of maturity and the ability to make good decisions – it’s usually seen as child abuse. This is a really dumb argument to use.
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Yes they are still kids but I think an important lesson for the adults is that if we see something that doesnt look right, intervene….speak up ask the child if they’re ok….call the police.
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When I was thirteen I had to catch a bus to school and home five days a week. I knew about dangers because I’d already been abused by a family member for a decade at that stage. I was hyper-vigilant about the dangers of adults in particular but all people (I could be polite while still being on guard). Savvy shouldn’t have to be learnt the way I did, it can be understood easily by warning children with rules like the above – regularly, and roleplaying, so they get used to the idea of not being shy about ‘being rude’ in an uncomfortable situation.
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Thank you. What amazing people to turn a horrific nightmare to an education format for the benefit of all children. Very proud and once again amazed at their internal fortitude to do this.
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I think there is real difference between letting your child go up the road to the local shops, to letting them stand on a busy highway waiting for a bus.
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See to me a busy highway wouldn’t have seemed too dangerous whereas deserted local shops would raise more of a red flag. It’s not fair. Those poor poor people.
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