THE family of 17-year-old Aboriginal boy Thomas “TJ” Hickey, whose death a year ago today sparked the Redfern riots, has been refused permission to place a plaque commemorating his life at the site where he was impaled on a fence post.

A rally of more than 100 people yesterday observed two minutes’ silence at the Waterloo housing block in inner Sydney where TJ fell from his bike and was impaled on the post. The Hickey family and Redfern’s indigenous community had hoped to unveil the plague at the event.

Instead a tearful Gail Hickey, TJ’s mother, held the plaque up in front of the wall, littered with pictures and flowers, where her only son was fatally injured. She was surrounded by her six daughters and other supporters.

A minute’s silence was also held outside Redfern police station as the rally marched to the notorious Aboriginal housing area known as “The Block”.

The plaque read: “TJ Hickey. On 14 February, 2004, TJ Hickey, aged 17, was impaled upon the metal fence above arising from a police pursuit. The young man died as a result of his wounds the next day. In our hearts you will stay, TJ, Loved and Missed by All.”

Although a coronial inquiry exonerated the police, there remains considerable anger in Sydney’s Aboriginal community over whether TJ was being chased by police at the time of the accident or not.

Relying on the coronial inquiry, the NSW Department of Housing refused permission to place the plaque at the site, saying thewording did not “reflect the known facts”.

A spokesman for NSW Premier Bob Carr said the Government would look at the wording of the plaque and work with the community to arrive at a suitable solution.

“I just want justice and for the truth to come out,” Mrs Hickey said.

“I ain’t going to change no word for no one. I am truly upset. I believe the police officers know they are guilty, that is why they won’t let us put it up.”

Police Local Area Commander Dennis Smith said yesterday’s memorial rally passed without incident and that relations between theAboriginal community and police had improved since last year’s riots focused attention on Redfern’s problems.