Slain mother’s farewell
Family speaks of loss ahead of Debbie Combarngo funeral today
MURDERED mother-of-five Debbie Combarngo will today be farewelled in Toowoomba more than two weeks after nine people stormed a Wilsonton unit in a violent home invasion.
It’s another step in the grieving process for two families shattered by the events at a Wilsonton unit on May 6.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his niece died, Michael Combarngo was joined by Sally Hall, the aunt of Michael Hall who died two weeks before Ms Combarngo.
While unrelated, the deaths had caused friction in the community, fuelled by rumours that caused angst and grief.
Mr Combarngo and Ms Hall have worked together since Ms Combarngo’s death, as well as with police and other support agencies, to ease tensions in the Toowoomba and wider Darling Downs community.
Mr Combarngo rejected suggestions the families were at war, saying it “has been very good; it’s just certain rumours that flair up, and ignorance”.
His niece, he said, was a “free spirited girl” who “didn’t take too much to authorities” but who “had a lot of good friends”.
“Yeah, it’s sort of sunk in but, yeah, it’s a bit hard to believe. It’s something you see on TV but not to happen to your own family,” he said.
Ms Hall sent her condolences to the Combarngo family.
“Just as an Aboriginal community member, I’d like to pass on my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Combarngo family for the loss of their dearly loved family member Debbie,” she said.
Inspector Stephen Angus said it has been a “difficult time for the families involved”, and the wider community.
“Since the tragedy we have been working very closely with the family to ensure that open dialogue is occurring and also to ensure that everyone is calm and is acting with compassion,” Inspector Angus said.
Police will be present at the funeral at HumeRidge Church today to ensure public safety.