IF four drunk men had just thought before attacking Jenny Mellor's son, they would not have criminal records hanging over their heads.
Instead, the group triggered a riot-like brawl outside the old Tropos nightclub on Lake St that was caught on security cameras and aired across the nation.
"In my memory, it's like it happened yesterday," said Ms Mellor, who was punched in the face when she tried to defend her son Eric.
Ms Mellor has backed a new anti-violence campaign called Just Think, launched by The Cairns Post and the Cairns Taipans at the weekend.
The campaign, which uses the slogan "We're not saying don’t drink, just think", was initiated by The Geelong Advertiser two months ago and already has had a positive impact on the Victorian city.
Ms Mellor said many lives changed as a result of the sickening attack on January 6 last year.
The four instigators were jailed after chasing, punching and kicking Ms Mellor's one-armed son Eric, also known as "Sonny", after a verbal exchange earlier in the night.
His friend Arron Mealing tried to stop the brawl but was knocked to the ground, his head slamming against the kerb as he did.
Ms Mellor and other bystanders also were pushed and punched during the melee.
Ms Mellor said people needed to consider the consequences of throwing a punch.
"What do you think the impact is going to have on your family, who have to walk around putting up with the shame?" she said.
"One hit and it could change the lives of everyone who stands around that one punch."
To take part in the Just Think campaign, go to www.cairns.com.au or call 4052 6627.
