On what would have been her son Luke’s 13th birthday, Australian of the Year Rosie Batty urges “ordinary Australians” to join her crusade to wipe out family violence.

Ms Batty, whose son was killed by her former partner at a cricket oval on Melbourne’s outer fringe, said June 20 was a “profoundly sad” day for her.

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“It would’ve been Luke’s 13th birthday,” she said as she fought back tears.

“I can’t bring him back and his absence leaves a terrible hole in my life.”

But even on this highly emotional day, Ms Batty’s continues her crusade to wipe out family violence.

“I am campaigning hard, every single day,” the Australian of the Year said.

“I’m driving to keep supporting all victims of family violence because no-one should have to go through what I’m going through and my journey doesn’t end.”

Ms Batty marked her son’s birthday by launching a new family campaign, Never Alone.

“[Today] we begin a movement of ordinary Australians to stand beside the victims of family violence and make it impossible for our issue to be ignored any longer,” she said.

Ms Batty said she had been overwhelmed by the support and empathy of Australians since Luke’s death.

But she said that was no longer enough.

“That’s why I am asking all Australians to stand with me beside every victim of family violence by joining the Never Alone campaign,” she said.

“It’s a journey of discovery, to understand the drivers and solutions to the family violence epidemic.

“But it’s also a journey with a mission. One that will hold our leaders to account.”