Kathy, who self-identifies as a survivor rather than a victim, recently shared her harrowing experience of violence inflicted by an unknown assailant during her usual morning walk along a Peregian beach on the Sunshine Coast. The incident, which occurred on April 8, left Kathy with serious injuries including five broken ribs, a fractured sacrum, and a brain bleed. As she was walking, Kathy encountered a man with a dog, prompting her to remind him of the council’s dog regulations. Shortly thereafter, she was unexpectedly assaulted, leading to a chaotic scene where witnesses needed to comfort her until emergency services arrived.
Following the attack, CCTV footage revealed a man fleeing the scene with his dog, resulting in the arrest of 28-year-old Thomas Keys three months later on charges of causing grievous bodily harm. However, as Kathy continues her recovery—which has proven to be both slow and financially burdensome—she faces obstacles in accessing compensation for her medical expenses, with delays and rejections exacerbating her situation. This particularly stresses her given that her Workcover claim was denied because she holds the position of director in her coaching business, rather than being an employee.
Kathy’s husband, John, highlighted the severe impact of the attack on their lives, noting that it could have been even more catastrophic. As they navigate this turbulent time, Kathy is determined to raise awareness about the systemic failures that many victims encounter when seeking justice and support. She emphasised the importance of addressing escalating violence against women and the imperative for a justice system that does not delay, as unresolved cases hinder victims’ ability to move forward in their lives.
In response to concerns over safety and community order, Noosa Council is taking steps to improve signage on dog-free beaches and enhance enforcement of the regulations, following a revised state law that increases penalties for irresponsible pet ownership. Ultimately, Kathy hopes that by sharing her story, she can contribute to a larger conversation about the need for better protections for victims of violence.