SHE was compassionate, caring and beautiful. She lived her life for others. And she never – not once – turned a cold shoulder on those who needed her help.
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It is how Molly Goodbun – who was allegedly shot to death by her ex-husband at her Maitland home on October 7 – is being remembered by her grieving family.
It is the first time Ms Goodbun’s two adult daughters, Rachel and Bionca, have spoken publicly since the 56-year-old’s sudden and tragic passing, and the subsequent arrest of their father, Keith Owen Goodbun, who was charged with murder.
Speaking to the Newcastle Herald ahead of Friday’s funeral, an emotional Rachel Goodbun said her mother was a “wild beauty” and the most “incredibly warm and affectionate” woman she had known.
“She always had a cup of tea and time to give to anyone who needed to talk,” Rachel said.
“There were always big hugs and we were never shy of knowing how much she loved us. Mum was understanding, intuitive and, above all else, compassionate. I believe her greatest gifts were her compassion and empathy.”
Ms Goodbun was a volunteer with Maitland’s Salvation Army store, working there most weekdays for nearly a decade.
“I remember asking her when I was very young why she would go there every day when it wasn’t a ‘real’ job,” Rachel said.
“She smiled and simply said, ‘I just like it here – my friends are all here and it’s good to be able to help people’.”
Bionca also paid tribute to her mother’s generosity, and said she was loved by many for her selflessness.
Spirituality, including the teachings of Hinduism, played a big role in the later years of her life.
“Mum always tried to see the best in people, and believed that every person was worthwhile and deserved forgiveness and a second chance – no matter what,” Bionca said. “To say Mum had a big heart is a vast understatement.”
Asked how they were coping with the tragedy, Rachel said the family had been buoyed by the support of the community.
“We are grateful for everyone who has taken an interest in Mum’s life,” she said.
“Although Mum was a very private person, we felt it was so important for people to see that she was so much more than how her life ended. People want to know what kind of person Mum was – she was a woman just like your mother, sister, daughter. [She had] similar hopes, dreams, faults, shortcomings, achievements and goals that most women have for themselves and their families.”
Pleas for reform to halt the violence
A MAITLAND women’s shelter has called for an overhaul of apprehended violence orders in the wake of Molly Goodbun’s tragic death.
Carries Place chief executive Jan McDonald said “the reality” of AVOs were that they were “just pieces of paper”, and has suggested stricter controls including the use of ankle bracelets for high-risk offenders.
“We see this all too many times: people who have proven to have no respect for the law and AVOs,” Ms McDonald said.
“There needs to be a greater focus and emphasis on keeping tighter control. The orders need to be strict.”
Ms Goodbun’s ex-husband, Keith Owen Goodbun, was charged with murder and six other offences – including allegedly breaching an apprehended violence order.
“Sadly, domestic violence continues at horrendous rates all around this country,” Ms McDonald said, adding that many in the Maitland community had been profoundly saddened by Ms Goodbun’s shooting death.
