The family and friends of Mackenzie Anderson are determined to make sure her name is not forgotten and a new memorial will make sure her legacy lives on.
Mackenzie Anderson was 21 when she was fatally stabbed at her Mayfield unit in March 25, 2022. Her ex-partner remains before the courts, charged with murder.
Mackenzie's ashes were scattered at her favourite beach in Byron Bay, where her loved ones often go to visit.
But they wanted somewhere local where the whole community could come together to remember the bubbly young woman whose life was cut so tragically short.
"When we lost Mackenzie, I was so touched by how many people in the community felt devastated by her loss," friend Alice Mcevoy said. "That's when I got the idea of a memorial bench - I knew we needed a beautiful place to be able to go to and remember her."
The memorial bench was unveiled by Mackenzie's mum Tabitha Acret at Gregson Park on December 11.
"I think it's definitely a bit of a bittersweet day in the fact that we feel very blessed that the community and the local council has supported us so much to have this here, but obviously we wouldn't need this day without the tragic events that have happened," Ms Acret said.
"It brings up a lot of emotions. We feel very blessed in some ways and then we feel devastated in others.
"It's really hard, the trauma of this.
"No one should have to bury a child. That's something that you never imagined in your life.
"Many people have reached out to me who didn't know myself or my daughter and just said how much the event has horrifically affected them."
Ms Acret said having a tribute in Newcastle would give more people, including those who didn't know Mackenzie personally, a place to visit.
"Byron Bay was where she wanted to eventually live one day. So we got to take her back to that place that she loved but we can't just go to Byron Bay on a Saturday afternoon or on the weekend.
"This gives us somewhere to come to to sit and reflect. The council is putting in a beautiful park here so it means that I can bring kids here to play and sit but also for the greater community that didn't know her hopefully it gets them to ask questions: 'who was Mackenzie and and how did this happen?'
"One day I won't be here anymore, so I'll stop saying her name, but this will mean people still will."
Charity Got Your Back Sista assisted with the tribute after meeting with Ms Mcevoy and Ms Acret in Byron Bay.
Newcastle woman Jan Bynon also donated $3000 for the bench after hearing Ms Acret speak at an International Women's Day event.
"It's not a happy day, but this bench is symbolic," Got Your Back Sista founder Melissa Histon said.
"It's a win in that we've been able to make this happen to honour Mackenzie."
The memorial seating can be found on the western boundary of Gregson Park, near the Samdon Street entrance.
