Jill Meagher’s family are finally one step closer to justice today. It won’t ease their pain or lessen their loss but it is some form of closure.

When news came through of Jill’s murder, the destruction of a Friday night with friends motivated me to write the following..

I offer it as a tribute to both Jill and her family.

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Jill. She’s on my mind. I don’t know her. I’ve never been in Australia and I’m a man but Jill is on my mind.

She was engaged in one of the most natural and pleasurable activities known to man: The post-work Friday drinks. It may be one or it may be ten but friendships are made, connections forged and spirits raised. And we feel safe.

Safety is something I do know about. In my younger days I had a devil-may-care attitude towards walking to buses or taxis alone but then the warmth and safety of the Friday night drinks helped me realize that the smiling face and the ‘ah I’ll walk with you’ isn’t a capital offence. It’s friendship and human love.

Jill and her friends are on my mind. Their Friday nights have been taken from them. Jill has been taken from them. Remember her and them as you have your Friday drink.