Laura & Colleen IrwinPrint Page 
The Colaura Gardens and granite wall, featuring artwork and photographs, commemorates sisters Laura and Colleen who were victims of a homicide in Altona North in 2006.
A violent convicted criminal William John Watkins raped and murdered Melbourne sisters Laura and Colleen Irwin in 2006. Watkins who was a neighbour of the girls had a string of previous offences, including a conviction for rape, aggravated burglary and theft. For those offences he was jailed for four years and three months, but was released after two years.
When Watkins applied for parole, he was assessed as being at moderate risk of reoffending. He moved into a rented flat next door to the Irwin sisters in May 2004. Watkins fled to Western Australia, and was intercepted in Karratha by Acting Sergeant Shane Gray for stealing petrol. Watkins bashed Sergeant Gray, fracturing his skull, before the policeman shot him dead.
Location
| Address: | Wren Street, Colaura Gardens , Toolamba, 3614 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -36.490316 Long: 145.339151 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Garden |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Crime |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 28-January-2006 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 28-January-2006 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Sunday 21st January, 2007 |
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Plaque :
This park is dedicated to the memory of Colleen & Laura Irwin
Tragically taken
28th January 2006
Plaque :
Allan & Shirley Irwin give their heartfelt thanks to everybody involved in establishing these gardens for their beloved daughters
