Kwar Ater, a 26-year-old South Sudanese-Australian, was fatally shot in Melbourne three weeks ago, marking a tragic end to a life dedicated to helping others. Ater had previously advocated for youth engagement and spoke against the stigma surrounding young people involved in crime. In 2021, he emphasized that no one is born bad and highlighted the importance of schools in keeping children out of trouble.

On September 7, Ater was shot outside an apartment building on Elizabeth Street in Melbourne's central business district. Two men have been charged with his murder. His family is grappling with their loss, expressing disbelief over the violence that took his life. "He is the glue that holds people together. So I feel like it just really sucks. His life was going so well," said his sister, Sara Ater.

Ater's death is part of a disturbing trend of violence in Melbourne. Just hours before his shooting, two young boys, 12-year-old Chol Achiek and 15-year-old Dau Akueng, were killed in a machete attack after leaving a bus. Their deaths shocked the community due to their young ages and lack of criminal ties. In the week prior, two men in their 20s were also fatally shot in separate incidents.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien remarked on the impact of such violence, stating, "Too many lives have already been lost and families ruined." He noted that the repercussions of these incidents extend throughout the community, affecting even those who do not know the victims.

Ater had a promising future ahead of him. He was studying at university, playing football, and starting a digital marketing business. His interactions with the criminal justice system were minimal until an incident in October 2022, when he was charged in connection with a brawl that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Kose Kose. A court later found that Ater was not the initial aggressor and had acted in defense of a friend. He spent 313 days in prison before the murder charge was dropped, ultimately receiving a six-month community corrections order for affray.

The South Sudanese community in Point Cook, where Ater lived, is mourning his loss. Eli Muse, who ran a youth program in the area, expressed his shock at the news of Ater's death, describing him as a gentle person who was always willing to listen. Ater had recently returned to playing football with the Point Cook Central Sporting Club, where he was known for mentoring younger players. The club held a candlelight vigil in his honor, praising him as a kind and supportive teammate.

Sara Ater shared a personal memory of her brother, recalling how he rushed to help her when her car broke down late at night. "I'm like, 'Who's going to do that for me if I'm in that situation ever again?'" she said. The Ater family is now seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Kwar's death. "We're still waiting for the answer," said his father, Chol Ater.