Sailing Beyond Silence

Navigating Toward Liberation: Reviving Rainbird to Confront Injustice

Introduction: An Unyielding Quest Against Injustice

Dear friends,

From the heart of adversity, I extend my hand to share an ongoing journey that demands your attention. I am Lara, not just a survivor, but someone who continues to endure the relentless torment of a broken system that fails to protect victims of domestic violence. Today, I implore you to join me as we set sail on a mission to restore Rainbird and embark on a global endeavour to unravel the injustice that continues to haunt survivors like me.

Cultivating Triumph: Breathing New Life into "Rainbird"

"Rainbird" is – a vessel of renewal, resilience, and transformation. This Rainbird doesn't solely bear my story; it sails amidst the tales of countless individuals enduring the unending storm of domestic turmoil. Rainbird embodies the spark that arises from the shadows, igniting change even amid adversity. As its sails unfurl, it carries the weight of all the tears we've ever cried, each one representing the pain endured at the hands of others perpetrating violence.

A Serendipitous Reclamation: Reviving Rainbird's Spirit

In an unexpected twist of fate, Rainbird – the very vessel that was once unjustly taken and swindled while in disrepair – stands ready for resurrection. This is the second time I have owned this sailing vessel. This alignment isn't mere coincidence; it symbolises the solidarity that emerges from shared experiences. The Errington’s, a sister and brother team, who once held Rainbird for an entire two weeks (August 2023) now stand by my side. They paid a hefty $55,000 for a vessel that a villain sold them, he was going to send them to sea in a leaking boat without the necessary repairs, which are extensive. Our connection isn't by chance, but by the design of destiny.

Their empathy and understanding of Rainbird's plight extend beyond words. Upon realising the extent of Rainbird's disrepair, their hearts were as shattered as mine and my son’s. In an inspiring show of camaraderie, they chose not to be weighed down by disappointment. Instead, they extended their hands in friendship and support, selling Rainbird to me for a symbolic one dollar because they know I know how to make her seaworthy again – a gesture that forged a lifelong bond between kindred spirits.

Unveiling Injustice: A Troubling Encounter with Authority

A Cry for Justice: Unveiling a Troubling Reality

In a recent and deeply troubling incident, the persistent specter of a harrowing ordeal resurfaced with startling clarity. The individual responsible for subjecting me to years of torment reappeared, brazenly engaging my son, almost 18 in conversation near my boats, "Namaste" and "Rainbird," at the Gold Coast City Marina. This alarming interaction took place within arm's reach, directly violating the court's restraining order. My son has watched this man assault me in front of him for six years even tho we have been living apart all that time.

While the Gold Coast City Marina ostensibly adhered to the restraining order by keeping him a hundred meters away, the disconcerting aspect of this situation lies in the way the police treated the matter. Instead of taking swift action, they urged me to calm down, despite clear photographic evidence showcasing his presence near both of my boats. In the wake of this unmistakable breach of safety and justice, the police's response is bewildering. Why does a system designed to safeguard citizens seem to disregard my safety and well-being? This incident stands as a tragic testament to the unchanged state of the domestic violence protection system and the prevailing approach to dealing with such matters in our country. A system that is meant to protect the vulnerable consistently falls short, leaving victims trapped in a cycle of abuse while perpetrators roam freely. The very foundation of justice seems to crumble when faced with the urgent needs of those crying out for help.

It's a confounding reality – the justice system repeatedly failing to recognise the gravity of the situation. He's been allowed to roam freely, perpetuating violence with impunity, even to the extent of regularly physically assaulting me, while the police seem indifferent. Despite that person and I no longer living together and having been apart for five years, the label of "domestic violence" continues to be used, which inaccurately implies a relationship that doesn't exist.

This label, and the lack of appropriate legal action, only adds to the frustration and despair. Six court cases and multiple instances of grievous bodily harm, and yet the system has only managed to acknowledge two contraventions of existing domestic violence orders, instead of pursuing charges fitting the severity of the crimes committed. He has stalked me, assaulted me, and tormented my life, all while enjoying the freedom provided by a system that seems blind to the true nature of the situation.

I must share a disconcerting truth – a truth that compelled me to turn away from those who should offer protection. The police, meant to be guardians of safety, treated me with indifference and disdain. Instead of empathy, their gaze held judgment; instead of solace, their presence brought discomfort. It became evident that seeking refuge in their arms meant trading one torment for another. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for change – a change we aim for through Rainbird's voyage.

**Demands for Accountability: Your Support as a Beacon of Change**

This incident speaks to a larger issue that extends far beyond my personal struggle. It's a glaring example of a system that fails survivors, a system that often abandons those in need at the very moment they cry out for help. By supporting this campaign, you're not only aiding in the revival of Rainbird; you're standing up against a broken system, demanding accountability, and paving the way for a future where no one should endure such neglect in their darkest hour.

**Join the Movement: Amplify Empathy, Demand Change**

Rainbird now sits in a state of disrepair, her sails yearning to once again catch the wind. But through your support, a transformation is imminent. The funds raised through this campaign will not only rejuvenate Rainbird but also breathe life into her sails, propelling her on a journey of renewal and advocacy.

As the journey unfolds, I'll document every step of Rainbird's restoration, a testament to the perseverance and resilience that resonates within us all. With each repair I personally make, with my own hands, each piece of her that's mended, we also mend a part of our world – a world in dire need of healing, compassion, and change.

Leading Change: Your Support in Action

With your backing, Rainbird's sails will gradually unfurl. As I restore her, I'll be unfurling the stories of countless victims, the cries that often go unheard, and the struggles that the system often neglects. Rainbird's journey will echo the journey of survivors, as both rise from the depths to soar towards a brighter horizon.

I implore you to stand with me, to invest not just in the restoration of a boat, but in the rekindling of hope, the reimagining of safety, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

**Conclusion: Shifting Perspectives for a Kinder World**

In a world where whispers of injustice often go unnoticed, we stand together to amplify the cries of those who suffer in silence. Rainbird's sails carry not just our stories, but our collective resolve to usher in change. This is a call for kindness, for empathy, for a community that protects and uplifts. Let us change the narrative, create a safer world, and inspire a legacy of compassion that will endure for generations.

With unwavering determination,

Please help

Much love to you friends

Regards

Lara Eardley

Thanks for reading x