One of Australia's leading human rights activists has stepped in to help the family of Yamatji woman Joyce Clarke, who was shot dead during a confrontation with police in Geraldton, Western Australia last year.
The police officer charged with murdering the 29-year-old mother last September has pleaded not guilty in the WA Supreme Court and is set to face trial.
The officer's identity has been suppressed over concerns for his family's safety.
The police officer is the first in Western Australia to be charged with murder, while on duty, in 93 years.
He will next face court in August.
Funds for family's travel
Criminal defence lawyer Debbie Kilroy is the CEO of Sisters Inside, an organisation that advocates for the rights of women, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, in the criminal justice system.
She started a GoFundMe page last week to raise money for Ms Clarke's family, to enable them to travel from their homes in Mullewa and Carnarvon to Perth to attend court proceedings.
The page has raised more than $95,000 in less than a week.
"As a criminal defence lawyer I know that court matters take a very long time to come to an end, particularly a murder charge," she said.
"I was concerned with Aunty Anne's struggles financially, because she has Joyce's young boy living with her, she is caring for him now and other children.
"I thought it was time that we ask the community to support her and the family so they can participate with the court proceedings."
'People have had enough'
Ms Kilroy said the alleged murder of African American man George Floyd by a police officer in the United States prompted people in Australia to support the fundraiser.
"It has resonated with many people, many hundreds and thousands of people, if not millions of people in this country," she said.
She said the time had come when families need to be supported so they can hopefully get some justice on day for themselves and the Aboriginal community.
"I believe the time has come that people, Australians, have had enough ... and they are more than willing to support [Joyce's] family."
