Packed to the Rafters star Rebecca Gibney pays heartbreaking tribute to late father

WARNING: This article mentions domestic violence.

Packed to the Rafters actress Rebecca Gibney has given a touching tribute to her late father, Austin, 40 years after his death.

The tribute posted to social media was bittersweet as the star reflected on her tumultuous relationship with her father.

“40 years ago today we said goodbye to you Dad. If only you had known how loved you were – how we all desperately wanted you to be the Dad we knew you could have been,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I choose to remember the good times. The Sunday roasts, the music and the laughter. As Irish as they come. And I can feel that in my bones.

“Love you Dad. And still miss you even after all this time.”

 

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A post shared by Rebecca Gibney (@rebeccagibney_)

Gibney is open about her father’s abuse, often using her past as a voice to advocate for victims of domestic abuse.

The Kiwi-born actress recently took to Instagram to reflect on her father’s life and educate people about family violence.

“I found this photo of him today with his big brother Sean and I looked at this little boy with the sad face and it made me wonder once again what happened to him that made him become the angry man he so often was,” Gibney wrote.

“We are in an age where domestic violence is increasing at an alarming rate…and I am so deeply saddened by this as having grown up in that environment I always prayed that with time we would find ways to solve this problem.

“We have to talk about it. We have to educate our children on this topic. Encourage our younger generation – especially our boys – to talk more, fight less. Make Respect a priority. And kindness, equality.”Celebrate vulnerability, accept each other’s differences. And love them so fully that the thought of inflicting violence on another is utterly unthinkable.

“I wonder if my father had been raised with these principles then maybe that little boy on the right would still be here.”

 

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A post shared by Rebecca Gibney (@rebeccagibney_)

Gibney is currently starring in a new romantic comedy titled Under the Vines, alongside British actor Charles Edwards.

FAMILY VIOLENCE DISCLAIMER: If you are concerned about domestic and family violence in your family, friends or workplace, contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.