The sister's story
The sister's story
Ofelia Guizzon is the sister of Nestore Guizzon. She did not give evidence at Nadine Haag's inquest but in a letter to Sunday Night she outlines her version of events described by Nadine in her diary.
Nadine and I shared many conversations which included personal and private information.
What I have learnt from this legal case is to be accountable for what is said and that information can be taken out of context to create something completely different to what was originally intended and understood as.
My brother, Nestore and I were very close growing up. As adults, we worked together for a few different companies and he has always been there for me as a big brother. I spoke to Nadine of “play fights” and how my brother and I engaged in several of them growing up. These were merely play fights as the majority of sibling’s would have with one another. I was very thin as a child and teen and therefore quite physically weak. I went through a lot of racist bullying as a child, teen and young adult. I was beaten by a Caucasian class mate and bullied throughout primary school and high school because of my colour. When I was 16 years of age, I started lifting weights and when I was 18, I enrolled in Kick Boxing classes for several years so I could defend myself.
As for the comments to my brother killing animals, I was referring to our visits to my mother’s family in Tonga where the men kill pigs and chickens on the land. In Tonga, my brother would go with my uncles to kill the animals for the family feasts. When I was in Tonga, I would not eat meat because I saw the animals as pets, not food. I’ve a different mentality about this and I accept that it’s they way they do things in Tonga. The only difference between how they do things in Tonga to here is that I don’t see the animals in my yard. I do eat red and white meat but not if I see the animal alive.
My father was a manic depressive and medicated under close supervision from his doctor and specialist’s. My father lived during an age where mental illness was a taboo and there was little awareness, education and research compared to present day. Yes, my mother left with my brother and I a few times during my high school years due to my father’s unstable behaviour.
Nadine stayed for a short visit with my fiancé and I early in 2009. She asked my advice as she wanted to leave her relationship with my brother. Nadine was upset and confused and because I was not prepared to get involved by giving her advice, I suggested she see someone who could advise her such as a lawyer or counsellor. The only person I could think of was the psychologist I was seeing at the time and she said she wanted to go and see him so I booked her in and took her to the appointment the following day.
I have read a lot of claims made, some being true, some being taken out of context and some that have been totally untrue.
It has been almost 3 years since Nadine died. I only wish for everyone to cherish her memory and allow her daughter to live a normal life.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 or beyondblue: the national depression initiative 1300 22 4636.
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