Shane Bourke is a well- known face in the Wyndham community. 72682 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By XAVIER SMERDON
FOR years Shane Bourke lived with a dark cloud hanging over his head, something he wished would go away, but later in life talking about it has set him free.
The five-time Mayor of Wyndham has fond memories of his childhood, but they are tarnished by his experience with family violence.
He can still remember when his father lashed out at him and punched him on the nose, leaving him bloodied and bruised.
“It wasn’t like we were battered all the time, it just used to flare up, and I think a lot of it was alcohol related,” Mr Bourke told Star.
“I remember being very frightened of him and thinking what’s he going to do next, and I was always in fear of that.”
His father passed away when Mr Bourke was only 19 years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his sister while his brother had left home at 15.
And while he still loves his own father, he is proud to say that his generation put an end to family violence.
“I don’t think I ever made a conscious decision to not be abusive, I just think it wasn’t in me to be like that,” he said.
“My mum was just superb and I remember asking her years later, why didn’t you just leave him?, and she looked at me and said where was I to go with three children?”
Mr Bourke said it had become almost therapeutic to talk about his once secret history.
“It’s not about airing my dirty laundry but I just hope that by other people knowing that it can happen to anybody they might take action,” he said.
Shane Bourke is now the White Ribbon Day ambassador for Wyndham. White Ribbon Day is on 25 November. If you are having trouble with family violence you can call 1800 RESPECT or visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.
