Domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty has closed down the Luke Batty Foundation to focus on her grief.
Her son was tragically murdered by his father Greg Anderson at a cricket practice in Victoria in 2014. Mr Anderson was shot by police at the scene and later died in hospital.
Ms Batty said she now needs time to ‘mourn and remember Luke, the centre of my world’.
Rosie Batty (pictured left) tragically lost her son Luke (pictured right), when he was murdered by his father Greg Anderson at a cricket match
‘Unfortunately I realise that I can’t keep going at this pace forever,’ she said.
‘It is unsustainable and I am tired. I now need to prioritise my self-care and recognise my limitations – advice that has been given to me by trusted friends for some time.’
Ms Batty was a tireless domestic violence campaigner often in the public eye, and won the prestigious Australian of the Year award in 2015.
‘It has been a gruelling and unrelenting four years in the public eye and I sincerely thank you for being with me every step of the way,’ she said.
‘I have spoken at hundreds of speaking events across the country and overseas, and campaigned extensively whilst crisscrossing the nation.
Rosie Batty (pictured) has closed the Luke Batty Foundation to prioritise her self care and rest
Rosie Batty (pictured) at her son’s funeral on February 21, 2015. She now wants time to spend at home with her beautiful animals and focus on herself
‘I’ve done more media interviews than I ever thought possible and ventured into the most remote and beautiful parts of Australia to ensure that our Aboriginal sisters are not forgotten.
‘Now I need time to myself.
‘Time to spend at home with my beautiful animals that continue to comfort me in ways that only four legged companions can.’
Ms Batty said the foundation ‘shone a light’ on an issue that has been ‘ignored for too long’.
Luke (pictured), was 11 years old when he was brutally murdered at cricket practice by his father, Greg Anderson
Rosie Batty pictured at an Australia Day morning tea in 2016 with Minister Michaelia Cash and the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull
‘I am so proud of everything we have achieved. Together we gave victims a voice and demanded our leaders act,’ she said.
Foundation chairman Andrew Fairley paid tribute to Ms Batty and confirmed the Foundation would be wound down.
‘Out of the most harrowing of circumstances, Rosie emerged as a leading voice calling for societal change to the way that we speak about, respond to and work to prevent domestic and family violence,’ he said.
‘On behalf of the Board and staff, I extend our sincere and deep appreciation to Rosie.’
Rosie Batty said she is proud of everything the foundation has achieved, including giving victims a voice and demanding leaders to act.