The 11-year-old boy who died at his father's hands on a Victorian cricket ground had a beautiful relationship with his mother, a friend says.
Gill Metzen, the director of the Tyabb Childcare Centre, knew Luke when he attended the centre for about three years.
She said Luke was a treasured only child who shared a beautiful bond with his mother, Rosie Batty.
"He was just a bundle of joy - a nice little kid," she told AAP.
"She was a beautiful person. A very caring mum.
"When he was here with her it was a beautiful relationship, a good mum and son relationship.
"She would do anything for him, give him the earth.
"She was just a fantastic mum for him. She was his life."
Mrs Metzen said she first knew something was wrong when police and ambulances rushed through Wednesday night but only learnt of the tragedy on radio on Thursday morning.
"I went, 'I bet you it is that family'. I don't know why," she said.
She said when she found out who it was, she broke down and cried.
Mrs Metzen said Luke's parents were estranged when he was at the centre and the father "had a few issues".
She believed he was homeless and living in a car at one stage and there may have been issues of family violence.
"She'd say a few things but nothing concrete."
Mrs Metzen says while Rosie will not be coping well, the community will rally around her.
"She's got no family around here. They're all in England. She's only relying on ... friends she's got here."
"I just can't find words, it's horrific.
"He was a gorgeous kid and her world's gone, basically."
