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One year on, Rosie Batty mourns her son Luke

“The house is quiet, something is missing. It’s you.”

Those are the heartbreaking words of Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, who has marked one year since her 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father at cricket training in Melbourne on February 12 last year.

“I think of you from the moment I open my eyes until I lay my head back down on my pillow,” Ms Batty said in a statement through The Luke Batty Foundation.

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On the day he died, Luke was feeling lazy, playing video games and didn’t want to go to cricket practice, she said.

“I did what a good mum does and made you follow through with your commitment to your cricket team as it was the last cricket practice for the season,” Ms Batty said.

Luke was “apprehensive” about seeing his father, she said.

“When we arrived, we spotted your dad. He stood up with a huge smile and I knew it would be ok – he was in a good mood. It always made you happy to see your dad happy.”

Ms Batty tells of the moment she spoke to her son for the last time.

He asked if he could spend a few more minutes in the cricket nets with his father.

Then his father attacked Luke.

“I ran to get an ambulance – never to see you or speak to you again.”

Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters it was a desperately sad time.

“I think what we can all be proud of is that Rosie Batty has shown great courage, great character and has done so much to raise our awareness,” he said.

Ms Batty, who became a campaigner against domestic violence after the tragedy, was named Australian of the Year last month at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.

She said she thought of her son every moment, but pushes forward with courage because of everyone’s support.

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