Memorial for teen after Christmas tragedy

A permanent memorial is set to be installed in memory of Luca Bennett, a 15-year-old boy who tragically lost his life last Christmas Eve. Luca was swept off the rocks and into the sea at North Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast, leaving his family and his school community at Scots College devastated. In response, the Central Coast Council unanimously voted to collaborate with Luca’s parents, Michelle Vincenzini and Jason Bennett, to place a plaque near the rock platform where the incident occurred. Michelle Vincenzini expressed her gratitude towards the council and the wider community for their support. She shared that every month on the 24th, the family and community gather at the site to remember Luca, sharing stories and memories of him. The family is forever thankful for the kindness and generosity shown during this difficult time. Alongside the parents, Councillor Jared Wright, who proposed the motion for the memorial, remarked on how the tragedy deeply affected him and intensified his commitment to water safety. Councillor Wright noted that Luca’s story stays with him, especially when he visits the beach, fueling his passion for improving water safety measures. The Bennett family is funding the memorial plaque, and the council staff are working to have it installed by the upcoming Christmas period. Scots College has also raised over $540,000 to create the Luca Bennett Memorial Scholarship, which will provide opportunities for young people from the Central Coast to attend the school in perpetuity. In the wake of Luca’s death, the council has taken immediate action by installing two life rings on the rock platform at North Avoca Beach to help protect visitors. According to the Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving’s National Drowning Report, Luca was one of 357 people who drowned between July 2024 and June 2025. This figure is 27 percent higher than the average over the past decade. While drowning rates among children remain the lowest, there has been a sharp increase in fatalities for people over 15 years old. Particularly notable is a 63 percent rise in drownings among individuals aged over 75, with migrants accounting for about one-third of deaths. The report highlights that 87 percent of Australia’s population lives within 50 kilometers of the coast, where nearly half of all drowning incidents occur. High-risk activities identified include swimming, fishing, and visiting unpatrolled coastal areas. Justin Scarr, Chief Executive of Royal Life Saving Australia, emphasized that these statistics should serve as a wake-up call. He pointed out that declining swimming skills, an ageing population, and more people visiting remote locations without lifesaving services are significant concerns. Alarmingly, half of all children leave primary school unable to swim 50 meters and float for two minutes, substantially increasing their lifelong risk. To address this worrying trend, Scarr stressed the need for accessible swimming lessons and safe swimming facilities across all communities, regardless of location or background. The tragic loss of Luca Bennett has not only sparked community grief but has also driven stronger safety initiatives and awareness efforts aimed at preventing future drownings along Australia’s coasts.