1 Annual Report 2013 - 2014

1 Annual Report 2013 - 2014


OUR PURPOSE 

• To provide Peer support, Trauma and Early Crisis Intervention, 

practical assistance, empathy, compassion and understanding to 

victims of:- 

• Homicide 

• Manslaughter 

• Vehicular Manslaughter 

• To continue to foster and encourage awareness for the needs of 

homicide victims whilst promoting education and reform. 

• To continue to promote and develop our primary vehicles which 

are:- 

• Our volunteer program that introduces people who have 

experienced the loss of a loved one to others who have also 

experienced a loss 

• Our fundraising arm Daisy Chain Foundation 

• Our education and awareness campaigns including One Punch 

Can Kill and Walk with Me 

VISION 

The Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group will continue to be the 

leading Queensland based group in the promotion and provision of 

meaningful peer support to those who have lost a loved one or have been 

a witness to homicide and in bringing awareness and education to the 

wider community. 


OUR CORE VALUES 

We are committed to treating all people with dignity, respect and confidentiality. 

We recognise and value contributions from all our members towards the 

achievement of our objectives. 

Integrity 

Clients, staff, volunteers and stakeholders can expect honest and accountable 

actions that uphold their rights. 

QHVSG continues to demonstrate this by: 

• Ensuring staff and volunteers are responsible for their decisions and actions 

• Maintaining privacy and confidentiality 

• Being committed to continuous improvement via education and research 

• Welcoming feedback 

• Addressing service delivery concerns from members 

• Acting in accordance with legal obligations 

• Planning for the organisation’s viability and future 

Diversity 

QHVSG recognises the wide-range of individuals who contribute to our 

organisation and the community. 

We are conscious of providing a non-discriminatory and culturally sensitive 

service that is timely in its response. 

Respect 

We value each other’s stories, experiences, thoughts and ideas and strive at all 

times to treat one another with dignity and respect in the provision of peer group 

services, development of staff, and valuable relationships with our generous 

volunteers. 


Table of Contents 

QHVSG Team 

President’s Foreword 

GM Report 

Established in 1995 

Achievements 

Those in Support 

Board of Management 

Supporting Families 

Informing the Community 

Our Team of Volunteers 

Our Valued Partners 

Treasurer’s Report 

Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group 

Tel: 07 38574744 

Email: admin@qhvsg.org.au 

Web: www.qhvsg.org.au 

PO Box 292 

Lutwyche Queensland 4030 

AUSTRALIA 


QHVSG Team 

Board of Management 

2013- 2014 

Valued Staff 

President 

Vice President 

Secretary 

Treasurer 

Board Members 

• Tracy Johnston 

• Helen Wallace 

• Scott Furlong 

Debbie Lawler 

Vacant 

Geoff Sheldon 

Marie Newell 

General Manager 

Ross Thompson 

Senior Family Support Coordinator 

Paula Starmer 

Family Support Coordinators 

Berni Palings 

Soraya Seklaoui 

Elaine Henderson 

Ellie Kelly 

Ann Robb (Resigned) 

Finance Officer 

Robin Christmas 

Volunteer Coordinator/Administration 

Leanne Murfitt 

Subcommittees 

Legislative and Law Review: 

QHVSG participates in legislative evaluation 

and reform by working to improve 

circumstances for victims of homicide. 

Fundraising and Events: 

To help expand the opportunities and services 

offered by QHVSG. The fundraising committee 

is responsible for developing programs that 

supplement government funding. 

Media and PR: 

To provide information and comments 

supporting the purpose and integrity of the 

Organization. 

Education: 

To assist the victims of homicide in the education 

process; regarding their rights and how they may 

obtain or source information in support of their 

rights. QHVSG is also involved in community 

education to promote awareness of the 

organisation. 

Support & Regional Development: 

To improve and develop regional peer support 

through Queensland for all members 

Finance: 

The committee’s task is to manage and audit the 

movement of funds in accordance with the 

budget and the service agreement obligations. 


Foreword – President 

Debbie Lawler 

2013-2014 – another year of achievements and 

unfortunately, we welcomed 316 new family 

members to our group. There were 47 precious 

lives stolen and once again, the Queensland 

Police Service has worked tirelessly alongside of 

us in charging 89 perpetrators. We have 

supported and cared for over 1395 family 

members. 

Thompson who once again, has worked far and 

above what is required of him so he can 

continue to spread the word of “Once Punch 

Can Kill ” (OPCK). Aside from being General 

Manager of our organisation and the usual tasks 

and responsibilities that come with that 

position, Ross has spoken to over 82,000 

students and young people in 87 schools and 

2013-2014 was my ninth year on the Board and 

the seventh as President and each year, as I 

meet new people who have lost a loved one to 

homicide, I am encouraged to keep going. Next 

year will be our 20 th anniversary year and we 

have quite a few events planned and I am really 

looking forward to being a part of that. 

The Board of Management, through most of 

2014, consisted of five other members who 

worked alongside me - Geoff Sheldon 

(Secretary), Marie Newell (Treasurer) and 

general members, Helen Wallace, Scott Furlong 

and Tracy Johnston. With such a small number 

on the Board, it was a very full on year with each 

of us having to take on quite a bit more work 

and meet more often. I want to thank each one 

of you for being so willing to put your hands up 

and be so involved with this organisation as you 

have been. We’re looking forward to having 

double the number next year, which will lighten 

the load considerably, especially with more 

regional representation. 

youth groups throughout the State and has 

been to meetings interstate with very 

interested parties. There have been many 

government meetings, reading material, writing 

submissions with his right hand man, Simon 

Turner, which has led to our education program 

now being written into the Year 11 and 12 

curriculums and hopefully, funding for the 

program can go full time with dedicated staff to 

the campaign itself. 

The one punch death of Bruce Steensen, who 

was President of Queensland Masters 

Australian Football League (AFL), brought 

incredible support, both financially and from an 

educational and awareness perspective, from 

state and national AFL teams. We now have 8 

At this time, I also want to make special clubs who wear the OPCK logo on their jerseys. 

mention of our General Manager, Ross 


hard to ensure that as many of our members as 

possible are contacted throughout the year. We 

are finding now, that the average number of 

people being cared for by staff and volunteer per 

homicide, has risen to over 13, as more and more 

people realize that it is not just the family 

members who need our assistance, it is also 

friends, work colleagues and witnesses. 

In my 2012-2013 report, I mentioned that one of 

our main goals for last year was to grow our 

regional support networks. This has been 

achieved, so much so, that we saw 7 regional 

Memorial Services this year compared to three 

for the previous year. We also saw the numbers 

of members attending the Brisbane service 

increasing – with over 120 members at the 

service. We have developed a Support and 

Regional Development Committee, which has 

been chaired by very dedicated Board member, 

Scott Furlong, who meets every month with 

members of staff and regional members to 

continue to grow the peer support networks in 

the regions. Our next goal, which we have been 

working on in this very important job, is to 

develop our Volunteer Training in the regions by 

holding our first Volunteer Training Weekend in 

2015 and develop team leader roles throughout 

more of the regional areas. This has already 

started with more peer support groups now 

operating in Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns and 

Townsville. 

As you can appreciate, Queensland being the size 

it is, this is not an easy task and it can be costly. I 

take this opportunity to thank our funding body, 

Victims Assist Queensland (VAQ) (under 

Department of Justice and Attorney-General) for 

their extra support that continues to come in. 

Without this support, we would not have been 

able to place a permanent Family Support Coordinator 

in Far North Queensland or allocate 

more hours to our Brisbane staff to look after 

Central – North Queensland and regions closer to 

Brisbane. 

On that note, our staff continue to work very 

I take this opportunity to thank Paula Starmer 

(Senior Family Support Co-ordinator/South 

Eastern), Soraya Seklaoui (Central), Bernie Palings 

(Metropolitan Brisbane), Elaine Henderson 

(Southern) and Ellie Kelly (Northern) along with 

our regional team leaders for their continuing 

hard work. Keep up the great work! All Board 

and members are most appreciative and I can 

speak on behalf of the Board when I say that your 

efforts at the Awareness Days, Memorial Services 

and other fundraising events has not gone 

unnoticed and the events would not be as 

successful as they are with you and your team of 

dedicated volunteers. 

In early 2014, we said good-bye to Ann Robb who 

resigned from the position of Family Support Coordinator 

in Far North Qld and we thank her for 

her efforts in working with our members during 

her time in that role. We then welcomed Ellie 

Kelly into the role. Ellie worked with us in 

Brisbane several years ago and is based in Cairns 

and has been working tirelessly at making contact 

with as many of our members as possible and 

developing the support groups and volunteers in 

that vast area. Congratulations Ellie and 

welcome back! 

I also make special mention of our office support 

staff – Robin Christmas, our Finance Officer and 

Leanne Murfitt, our Volunteer/Trainer Coordinator, 

for their continued efforts in their very 

important roles. We also have many student 

volunteers who assist our staff with the very 

important task of keeping in regular contact with 

our members. As you can appreciate, there are 

so many people who we assist, that our staff 

cannot make contact with as many of our 

members as they would like in their limited 

hours. Our volunteers help share the load and 

are able to give that invaluable time and a 

listening ear to our members. 


2014 also saw the commencement of our three 

new websites being developed. Board member 

Tracy Johnston and several of her colleagues got 

the ball rolling and the final development has 

been done by Joe Fox and the team from Studio 

Culture. Joe and his team have been working 

with us for approximately 18 months and are 

staunch supporters of our organisation and 

what we are aiming to achieve. Joe is a 

marketing-whizz and I encourage you to go to 

our new fantastic websites for QHVSG, OPCK 

and Daisy Chain Foundation. They are all 

connected, so follow this link for the main 

website – www.qhvsg.org.au and I’m certain you 

will be suitably impressed with the web sites. 

We will be able to share our loved ones stories, 

promote our awareness and education 

campaigns, advertise our events and sell tickets 

and merchandise online. 

2014 also saw the start of our fundraising 

venturing in to the “Bunnings BBQ’s”. The Gold 

Coast group has hosted several BBQ’s raising 

much needed funds for the organisation. Well 

done Gold Coast crew. 

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, and Police 

Minister, Jack Dempsey were amongst the many 

guest speakers who gave of their time for us. 

Ross Thompson represented us at the annual 

Police Memorial Day. Once again, as Ross 

reported, it was a solemn, yet memorable 

tribute to those police officers that have lost 

their lives in the line of duty. It is more than a 

privilege to attend this event each year, it is an 

honour to be invited to share this very special 

time with our Patron, the Queensland Police 

Commissioner, Ian Stewart and the many police 

officers and families. 

It is very fitting for us to attend, especially as the 

Queensland Police Service has always supported 

us by attending our Awareness Days, Memorial 

Services and our Annual General Meetings 

(AGM’s). I take this opportunity to thank, 

particularly the Commissioner and the members 

of the Homicide Squad, for their continued 

efforts in working with our families during their 

most fragile and traumatic time of their lives 

and for their commitment generally to our 

organisation over the last 20 years. 

AWARENESS DAY 2014 – another huge success 

with so many members of the public walking 

through King George Square, stopping, 

contemplating our shoe display and taking the 

time to listen to our many guest speakers 

including our Attorney-General, the Honourable 

Jarrod Bleije, who chose our forum to announce 

publicly the revocation of the old double 

jeopardy laws, so now, so many offenders who 

were found not guilty in the past, can be re-tried 

if new evidence allows it. During 2014, we also 

saw the introduction of the new ‘One Punch’ 

offence being put into legislation with a 

maximum sentence of 10 years. "Unlawful 

Attack occasioning death" 

Commissioner Ian Stewart, Debbie Lawler and 

Ross Thompson 

Our relationship with our stakeholders remains 

strong, and continues to grow and improve, 

particularly in regards to the Queensland Police 

Service, the Attorney-General’s department and 

Victim Assist Queensland. Police Minister, Jack 

Dempsey has been involved with us in many 

discussions regarding OPCK and continues to 

support us. We have also been working with the 

Queensland Education Department on the 


development of OPCK in the senior curriculum. 

Thank you to all concerned for continuing to 

support our members in the various ways that 

you do. 

The number of our corporate supporters 

continues to rise and their support is 

acknowledged and so greatly appreciated. 

A list of all of our Valued Partners, are on Pages 

25 and 26 

I make special mention of the wonderful team of 

Board members that I have had the incredible 

honour of serving alongside during 2013-2014. 

At the 2013 AGM, we said good-bye to very 

talented people and we welcomed one new 

member, Scott Furlong. The caliber of the people 

I work with on the Board and the staff and 

volunteers are second to none, and my time on 

the Board of QHVSG will always include many 

treasured memories and life experiences. 

I would like to encourage as many of you as 

possible to become involved in our organisation 

and meet more of your peers throughout the 

year at our events and also at your local peer 

support meetings. As mentioned earlier, 2015 is 

our 20 th anniversary year, so please look out for 

the events that are being planned and let us 

know if you can assist in any way to make these 

events as successful as they possibly can be. 

With warmest regards 

Debbie Lawler 

President 

General Manager – Report 

Ross Thompson 

contribution over the last twelve months, achieving 

enormous goals for the organisation. 

Over the last 12 months the organisation has again 

excided its own goals with the implantation of the 

Double Jeopardy Laws been made retrospective 

which now has been able to give families true 

justice for their love ones that have been neglected 

by the due process of law, this has given families a 

new belief that justice is been upheld. 

We have also been successful in gaining the support 

of government with the introduction of the new 

One Punch Laws "Unlawful Attack Occasioning 

Death", this will be similar to a manslaughter charge 

and will have a maximum penalty of life 

imprisonment. These new laws are a part of the 

Safe Night Out Strategy implemented by the current 

government to try and curve the current display of 

violence in our street which has caused many of us 

not been able to go out and enjoy the night life that 

one should be able to do without the concerns of 

been attacked by some stranger. 

Sadly the loss of two AFL stars Wayne Dover and 

Bruce Steenson to one punch has had a lot to do 

with the change of the way the public has 

responded to such violence, and this has been the 

major push to change the laws in this state, enough 

is enough. 

For those who have not yet been to the new web 

sites for QHVSG, Daisy Chain Foundation and the 

One Punch Can Kill (http://qhvsg.org.au/ ) I urge 

you to do so as these sites are of the utmost quality 

with a lot of new information for all, from students 

to the elderly and most of all for families that have 

lost a love one to violence, it is all there at your 

fingertips. 

I wish to congratulate the outgoing Board of 

Management for their devoted hard work and their 

We welcome Ellie Kelly to the role vacated by one 

of our hard working staff Ann Robb, Family Support 

Coordinator for the FarNorth region (and ex-board 

member) who resigned this year. I am sure that Ellie 

will be able to fill the gap left by Ann as Ellie, 

previously a Family Support Coordinator with 

QHVSG some years ago come with a lot of 

experience, we all wish Ann well for her future 

endeavours. 


Established in 1995 … 

…since five families learnt of each other’s 

anguish through a newspaper article, the 

Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group 

(QHVSG) continues to be the sole provider of 

peer support services to families affected by 

homicide in Queensland. 

Through ongoing partnership with the 

Queensland Police Service, QHVSG is referred 

to families within 48 hours of the homicide 

occurring; ensuring families have access to 

support, guidance and reassurance. QHVSG 

works with the Police to organize crime scene 

cleanup and other matters, allowing the 

families to focus on more pressing issues such 

as counselling, spending time with family, and 

organizing the funeral of their loved one. 

Over the years that follow, QHVSG 

encourages families to keep in touch with the 

group through a free call number, so we can 

provide support, information and advice to 

families on a range of issues including helping 

families understand the legal proceedings 

and their right to participate in this. 

Often families experience a range of setbacks 

after the homicide of a loved one. The 

pressure and strain placed on families has a 

significant impact on an individual’s coping 

ability, their mental alertness, concentration 

and memory are all affected. 

to interpret the many occurrences within the 

criminal justice system, and an incredible 

sense of disempowerment that comes from 

relinquishing control of perhaps the greatest 

tragedy of one’s life. 

Again, QHVSG advocates daily for families 

ensuring that our members have access to 

accurate and timely information regarding 

the prosecution of their loved one’s 

perpetrator, and encouraging them to 

participate in the few areas available, such as 

writing of Victim 

Impact Statements and submissions in 

relation to parole applications. 

Whilst QHVSG is not considered a lobby 

group, through continuing to raise 

community and stakeholder awareness 

regarding the systemic challenges facing 

victims of homicide, advancements in the 

area of law reform can, and do occur. 

QHVSG prides itself on being one of 

Queensland’s strongest advocates for victims 

of violence, through our ability to work 

collaboratively with stakeholders, media and 

the judiciary. 

Our strength and capacity to achieve our 

goals relies directly on the level of volunteer 

input received, particularly from victims of 

homicide. We encourage active involvement 

from our members in shaping QHVSG’s 

direction and operations. 

Traumatic grief also has an incredible impact 

on a person’s physical health and can lead to 

ongoing minor ailments, or even more 

serious health complications. 

The QHVSG plays a role in the minimization 

of this, through the provision of a 24 hour 

crisis line, home visits, support meetings and 

facilitating peer support interactions 

between families/individuals. 

Perhaps the most unique part of 

bereavement by homicide is the experience 

of navigating the legal system during times of 

great stress. Families are faced with having 


Achievements 

Statistical data for 2013-2014 

Hours spent providing information, 

advice and referral 

3052 

Hours of needs assessment and case 

management provided 

2687 

Hours of volunteer resource 

development and placement and 

hours of mutual support and selfhelp 

860 

provided 

Hours of community education 

provided 

296 

Hours of professional training 

provided 

654 

Number of active case/support plans 1181 

Number of new case/support plans 407 

Number of case/support plans 

closed due to majority of identified 99 

needs being met 

Number of contacts 4851 

Total number of clients who 

received personal support 

880 

Number of new clients who received 

personal support 

349 

Number of Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander clients who received 15 

personal support 

Number of Culturally and 

linguistically diverse clients who 3 

received personal support 

Number of participants who 

received community education 

46132 

Number of participants who 

received professional training 

45 

Number of volunteers recruited 

trained and/or supported 

111 

Policy Development 

In 2013-2014, we have continued updating 

policies and have completed the task of having 

current and acceptable policies. 

The development of policies as outlined in the 

“recommendations” will enhance the 

relationship between Government and the 

community sector and provide the basis for 

practical support to ensure that our Non- 

Government Organisation is able to function as 

effectively and efficiently as possible. All 

policies are incorporated in a manual for 

members to view. 

Team Leaders 

Our focus continued, as it did in 2012-2013, on 

building local support hubs throughout the 

State. The development and nurturing of these 

hubs by volunteers is critical in the support of 

victims. These groups also help in covering 

QHVSG’s three areas of support, education and 

reform. 

To support our Team Leaders in their role, 

QHVSG is constantly looking at ways of 

improving service delivery. Such strategies 

include utilizing technology to reduce staff 

workload; thereby making communication 

easier, and providing external access to head 

office resources. 

Committees 

There has been some very good work 

undertaken by the various committees which 

has led to new initiatives in awareness, 

education and fundraising. Programs included 

a Members Survey, launch of Daisy Chain 

Foundation, “Schoolies” Awareness and ‘One 

Punch Can Kill’ Campaign, new web sites etc. 

The continuing goal for 2014/15 is to 

strengthen the committees through the 

provision of operational guidelines and 

additional members to share the load. 

Message from the Board of Management 

QHVSG staff and Board of Management can 

not provide the support, fundraising, training 

and education necessary to manage the 

organisation on their own. It is through the 

generous time and effort of many volunteers 

that QHVSG is able to ensure that our 

members’ needs are met. Thanks to so many 

for generously donating their personal time to 

share the load. 


Those in Support 

Paula Starmer 

This is my fifth year with QHVSG in the position 

of Senior Family Support Coordinator, 

specializing in Trauma and Early Crisis 

Intervention for members’ recovery. I oversee 

four regional Family Support Coordinators 

including the Gold Coast Support Group and 

the facilitation of the Brisbane Support Group. 

This year has seen the valued six month 

student practicum program grow, with twenty 

students and volunteers servicing members 

during and after trial. The incredible work 

achieved by these wonderful students and 

volunteers is extremely vital to our service 

delivery. Being responsible for the 

supervision, and delivery of training is 

extremely rewarding, students learn the 

unique homicide grief experienced by 

members; trauma and early crisis intervention 

within a counselling framework; and vital court 

support training. 

We continue to support families who attend 

the Police Academy Detective Training Phase 

III, ensuring that members’ experiences with 

the Queensland Police Service are conveyed to 

detectives. I have also had the pleasure of 

presenting community awareness programs to 

the View Club of Australia, Rotary and Tafe 

Brisbane, South Bank campus. 

families through court support, support 

meetings, afterhours phone support and 

Awareness Days. Also Monique and 

supporters have worked tirelessly in 

fundraising events in the southeast, continuing 

to promote QHVSG through fundraising BBQ’s 

with Hot Tomato Radio 102.9. Ivan Smerdon 

continues to host members’ informal gettogethers 

in the southeast, always welcoming 

and comforting for new members to 

experience the vital peer support. 

Administrating the 2013 Memorial Day held in 

September saw one hundred and thirty 

members witness loved ones tributes, and 

Awareness Day in May 2014 with government 

and non-government agencies showing their 

support for homicide victims. The Gold Coast 

Group held Awareness Day at Burleigh Heads 

and welcomed dog handler, Senior Constable 

Wayne Algie, and 17-month-old German 

Shepherd, Ensign, and 8-year-old Bosun, there 

to support families of homicide and bring 

community awareness on the day. All three 

events were a special experience for members, 

with family, friends and the community to 

witness their grief and the power of the 

human spirit. 

This year I have had the pleasure of working 

with members and Scott Furlong (Chair) on the 

Support and Regional Development Review 

Committee hoping to strengthen connections 

and service delivery to members in all regional 

remote areas. 

We welcomed Martha Jabour Executive 

Director from HVSG New South Wales to the 

May 2014 Gold Coast Support Meeting and 

Queensland Police Service Detectives to both 

Gold Coast and Brisbane Support Meetings. 

QHVSG members with guest Martha 

Members who take on the role of team leader, 

Gillian Croke (Brisbane) and Monique Ferrario 

(Gold Coast) are an integral part of QHVSG, 

both are exceptional in their commitment to 


Berni Palings 

For me as family support coordinator the past 

year saw some very positive developments in a 

few ways. 

Several members of our Caboolture peer 

support group have had their trials with guilty 

verdicts and felt they could move forward with 

their lives now that the trial was in the past. 

They felt they no longer needed the support 

group. Another member knew that there 

would not ever be a trial to see justice for her 

loved one, but she had very happy events in 

her life that brought her in a place of doing 

very well. As a result the Caboolture group has 

been shrinking, and we saw its meetings go 

from monthly to bi-monthly. 

We then decided to combine the Caboolture 

peer support group with the Maroochydore 

peer support group, the first combined 

meeting being the Christmas lunch we had a 

few days ago. I have many members in both 

areas and the Christmas lunch proved the 

perfect transition to the combined group we 

will have from 2015 onwards. We had the 

opportunity to discuss how we wanted this 

group to move forward, and I have good hopes 

that the peer support group that will grow 

from this lunch will be a coherent, safe and 

compassionate one. February 2015 will see the 

first “real” peer support group meeting take 

place. 

Kawana Shopping World, where we had also 

been last year. We received great support 

from contingents of the Sunshine Coast District 

Crime Prevention Unit, SCOPE (Sunshine Coast 

Outreach Prevention and Education) – 

Resource Development, Domestic and Family 

Violence Service, and Crime Stoppers, as well 

as Brian Beck from Mental Illness Fellowship 

Queensland. Several members came out in 

support of QHVSG, selling butterflies, talking to 

the public, and catching up with each other 

and with me. 

I would like to thank my team leaders at the 

Sunshine Coast, Cheryl Thorpe and Peter Lane, 

for their dedication to the peer support group 

meetings. They have been facilitating the 

group alternately with passion and 

compassion. We will continue to be a great fit! 

It has been sad that this year, too, many new 

members joined our group. As we often hear 

people say, it is a group no one would ever 

expect or wish to be a part of, but once they 

do it is my aim to be with them every step of 

the way as well as I can. It is so humbling to 

see that bond and trust grow, and to have 

them share their story with me and allow me 

to walk part of their journey with them. Once 

people feel they are in a safe space they feel 

they can share, and through this they can start 

to heal, and it is my aim for 2015 to continue 

to provide that safe space for my members old 

and new. 

Another very positive development is the great 

relationships that have been forged further 

with the community of the Sunshine Coast, the 

best example of this being Awareness Day at 


Soraya Seklaoui 

Successful Awareness Days were held in 

Gladstone and Mackay this year. In Gladstone, 

I met with Seargeant Vicki Dredge the 

Gladstone QPS Domestic and Family Violence 

Coordinator who attended the awareness stall 

and bought materials from QPS anti-violence 

campaigns to share on the day. The stall was 

also attended by team leaders Linda and Billie 

Jean Watson. Mackay Awareness Day was 

conducted with the assistance of Crime 

Stoppers. I met with Mackay Crime Stoppers 

Chairperson Shirley Rowles who provided 

QHVSG with banners and Crime Stoppers 

materials for the day. The stall was also 

attended by four members during the day. In 

2015, I aim to continue to hold Awareness 

Days in Mackay and Gladstone using the same 

venues (Stockland Shopping Centre community 

spaces). 

Memorial Days were held in Rockhampton 

and Mackay. Attendance was not as high as 

last year but a lovely day was enjoyed by all 

who attended. Mackay and Rockhampton 

Botanic Gardens were again extremely helpful 

and provided lovely morning teas in their 

beautiful surroundings. Floral arrangements 

were donated by local florists and members 

bought along framed photographs of their 

loved ones to be displayed during the 

ceremony. Mackay members provided 

memorial DVDs to be run during the candle 

lighting ceremony. I aim to continue to run a 

memorial service in Mackay and will look to 

feedback from members whether to hold a 

2015 memorial service in Rockhampton or 

Gladstone. 

A support meeting was established in 

Gladstone at the beginning of the year with 

two members acting as team leaders however 

despite encouragement to members in the 

region to attend, the meetings were cancelled 

after 3 months due to lack of attendance. The 

Gladstone team leaders, Linda and Billie-Jean 

Watson continue to provide peer support over 

the phone to a number of members and Billie- 

Jean Watson has presented a number of OPCK 

presentations to local schools. I will continue 

to monitor for interest for support meetings in 

Gladstone or Rockhampton. 

Mackay support meetings have been running 

successfully with regular attendance of up to 

10 members. As a number of the families in 

the Mackay region are awaiting trial, I will 

endeavour to search for means of providing 

court support to these families in 2015/16 as 

needed. On recommendation from a member, 

QHVSG successfully applied for a $3000 grant 

from Macrossan Amiet Foundation to fund 

travel to Mackay for support purposes so I plan 

to visit Mackay every other month to provide 

counselling sessions for members who have 

expressed interest. 

Gladstone Awareness Day 


Elaine Henderson 

Over the past twelve months, I have worked to 

strengthen existing connections in the 

southern region of our state, and to secure 

new ones. As a result, I believe there is now a 

solid foundation of support for members in 

this region from which we can continue to 

grow. My role as a Family Support Coordinator 

with QHVSG for me is not seen as work, but as 

a passion. I witness the devastation that 

homicide brings to individuals and to families 

first hand. If I can make just a small difference 

by sharing the journey, then I am blessed. The 

past year has seen many families join as new 

victims, and others continue their journey. 

There have been some great results with the 

justice system, and some not so great, some 

fortuitous gains for some families and ongoing 

misfortune for others. This year especially, on 

many occasions I have been witness to an 

incredible depth of courage from our 

members. Of this I am constantly amazed, and 

most certainly deeply touched. 

In Toowoomba this year, peer support has 

moved away from the support group structure 

to a more social focus. I believe this reflects 

the needs of our current members and has 

enabled an informal connection from which 

further peer support may grow. In 2015, I my 

goal is to continue working with members in 

this region to deepen this connection and to 

foster its growth. I would like to take this 

opportunity to formally thank my team leaders 

and assistants in the Toowoomba region, 

namely Owen Pontin, Diane Lynch and Lovey 

Manteit. Owen, Diane and Lovey volunteer 

their time to support members, to attend 

court with families and to help in any other 

way that they can. It is only with their 

assistance can our support in Toowoomba be 

as comprehensive as it is. 

The year, our Memorial Day in Toowoomba, 

again supported by Hiram Philp Funerals, was 

beautiful. Not only was the day well attended, 

but we were graced by the presence of a choir 

– something that made the day even more 

touching. It is my hope that we can continue 

to grow this day, making it more special each 

year. 

The Ipswich/Springfield support group this 

year has flourished and each month I watch it 

do its magic for members. I believe the success 

of this group is a testament to those who 

attend and I would like to thank everyone who 

joins us each month for their part in forming 

such a ‘supportive family’. Team Leader Kerry 

Oestreich has worked hard to secure us a new 

venue for next year on the back of our usual 

venue at Orion Springfield being heavily 

booked, and so we are moving to Councillor 

David Morrison’s office, also in Springfield. 

Not only has Kerry worked very hard this year 

as team leader, she has also hosted a very 

successful Cent Auction fundraiser for QHVSG. 

As with my commendation for Owen, Diane 

and Lovey above, I would also like to formally 

thank Kerry for her ongoing support. 

In the past twelve months, I have fostered 

connections with stakeholders in the southern 

region, which has worked to benefit members 

significantly. In 2015 and beyond, it is my 

desire to continue networking in this way, with 

the goal of achieving a ‘team’ approach to 

support for our members. If we all work 

together to support the victims of homicide, 

perhaps we can make the journey slightly less 

arduous. 


Ellie Kelly 

provide practical and appropriate support on a 

regular basis. The further development for 2015 of 

team leaders and a strong volunteer base in 

Townsville and Mt Isa will be on my agenda and with 

the help of our developing network links, we see this 

as extremely beneficial to increasing service delivery 

to our members. 

Robin Christmas 

April 2014 saw my re-appointment to Family Support 

Coordinator with the QHVSG. During this time, and 

prior to my engagement, our Northern region 

families participated in regular peer support 

meetings, an Awareness Day and shared their 

beautiful memories and stories at Memorial Services 

in both Townsville and Cairns. At each of these 

events, our member’s ideas and participation has 

brought with it new and better ways to develop and 

strengthen our future annual events. 

Over the past three months I have taken care to meet 

and speak and spend time with members in the 

Northern and Far Northern Regions, familiarising 

myself with current cases going through the courts 

also with the regional offices and government 

agencies such as the Police Service, Victim Assist 

Queensland, Department of Public Prosecutions and 

Queensland Health. 

The geographical area of this region, coupled with the 

large majority of indigenous families residing within, 

required not only a fresh look at how to best meet 

culturally appropriate support needs but to also meet 

the practical needs of remote and outreach families. 

Reaching out to Indigenous agencies for training and 

with two visits to Mt Isa with our previous worker has 

supported families in regional Queensland. 

The development of a strong volunteer base is 

underway by utilising our Newslink medium, and our 

Support and the Regional Development Review 

Committee (which I am a member) under the peer 

support model of QHVSG. We hope to also 

strengthen network links to further develop the 

Northern region to reach these remote areas and 

It has been a privilege to serve as the Finance 

Officer again this year. I am now in my tenth 

year with the organization. I am an accountant 

by profession and also the father of a victim of 

homicide (Nicola) killed in 1994. My wife Cay 

was one of the original foundation members 

when the Group started in 1995. I have the 

rare opportunity to be able to make a 

contribution to the management of 

Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group 

in giving back to the group as well as providing 

the financial expertise needed to manage the 

finances of this organisation. 

I have over 50 years of accounting experience 

in a variety of workplaces. These include 

banking for 10 years, a chartered accountants 

office, an oil company, a motor vehicle 

company, a wine and spirit company, hotel 

management, fruit and vegetable grocery 

chain accounting, and bookkeeping for other 

charitable organisations, kindergartens and 

school sports associations. 

The role of financial reporting has changed so 

much in recent years with government 


wanting more in terms of accountability and 

reconciliation for funds received. There are the 

inevitable applications for funding and grants 

which take much of our time. Also there is the 

need to report to the members through the 

Board of Management and in the Annual 

Report. 

Finally, I would personally like to express my 

thanks to those who support the organisation 

through financial membership, donations and 

by fundraising. 


pain of reliving homicide of their loved ones in 

the court rooms. The strength and courage of 

our members never ceases to amaze. 

I feel very privileged to work with a committed 

professional team of counsellors and Family 

Support Workers at QHVSG, alongside our 

wonderful team of volunteers/ members and 

students who graciously give their time to 

support our members through afterhours 

telephone, court support, Awareness Day and 

Memorial Day. This compassionate team make 

my role as Volunteer and Court Support 

Coordinator satisfying and gratifying. 

My goals for 2015 will incorporate facilitating 

training for new volunteers/students and 

supporting our wonderful team. I feel 

honoured to be part of this caring 

compassionate team and look forward to 

future challenges. 

This past year I have had the pleasure and 

opportunity to have formed and nurtured 

relationships with our new students and 

volunteers who generously give their time to 

help make QHVSG the organisation that it is 

today. 

As the Volunteer/ Court Support coordinator I 

am responsible for the training of students and 

volunteers at Supreme and Magistrates Courts 

of Brisbane. The training entails navigating 

students and volunteers around the courts and 

understanding the procedures. Largely, our 

primary purpose is supporting our members 

through this trying time. 

I have been through the courts with many of 

our members; these wonderful people have 

graciously allowed me, volunteers and students 

to walk with them in a part of their life, a life 

changing journey, and our members endure the 


Current Board of Management 

Debbie Lawler-President 

Geoff Sheldon-Secretary 

Marie Newell- Treasurer 

Tracy Johnson Helen Wallace Scott Furlong 


Supporting Families 

The Queensland Homicide Victims’ 

Support Group’s primary focus is and will 

always remain the support of families 

bereaved by homicide. 

Who Are We Representing? 

to support and advocate for families within 

a range of contexts including, Centrelink, 

Housing Commission, Department of 

Communities for custodial and family court 

matters, child protection and solicitors for 

Wills and estate matters. 

Following a homicide we will often see 

QHVSG recognizes that many people are 

affected from each new homicide, and that 

it’s not only the immediate family who 

suffer. 

Because of this, QHVSG’s Mission Statement 

outlines our support to anyone who 

identifies as having lost a loved one to 

homicide. This often includes extended 

family, friends, colleagues and/or neighbors. 

In the 2013-2014 financial year, QHVSG 

sadly welcomed 316 new members through 

our doors. 

Geographic Distribution 

Monitoring where families reside, and the 

evolving patterns, helps QHVSG identify 

areas of service growth including location of 

support group meetings. 

36% 

State Homicide Distribution 

2013/2014 Financial Year 

11% 

2% 

30% 

21% 

Brisbane 

Central 

Far Northern 

South Eastern 

Southern 

Relationships 

Whilst the QHVSG’s focus is on homiciderelated 

issues, the reality is that homicide is 

rarely the sole issue affecting families. 

families’ emotional health and financial 

security spiral down as the full impact of 

the trauma and grief is realized and other 

daily matters are left unattended. It is at 

this time our relationship with the family 

assist with support and practical 

information in the many needy areas such 

as; employment, finance, mental and 

physical health, family structure and 

support, friendships and peer groups, 

housing and an individual’s general ability 

to cope with the daily pressures of life. 

Phone Support 

QHVSG’s free-call twenty-four hour phone 

support service is by far, the most utilized 

by families. Families who are grieving, 

experiencing crisis, in need of referrals, 

seeking advice, or simply a shoulder to cry 

on, can call anytime of the day or evening, 

and trust they are speaking to a trained 

staff member or volunteer of whom most 

have experienced the anguish of homicide 

themselves. 

Over the years as we build relationships 

with our families, we are often called upon 


Court Support 

This has been a very busy year for the 

Court Support Volunteers with 281 

episodes of care. Our members are 

supported emotionally throughout the 

legal mine-field which comes as a result of 

homicide. Whilst we do not offer legal 

advice, we are there for our members 

when they are required to give evidence or 

sitting with them throughout the trial 

offering support and an easy ear for 

listening. Throughout the past year, we 

have supported many families throughout 

trials. Trials do not, unfortunately, go the 

way wished for by some of our members 

and it can be an extremely emotional time. 

Our Court support volunteers are from 

across the state. Special mention must go 

to Ann Robb and Ellie Kelly in Far North 

Qld, Owen Pontin in Toowoomba and 

Monique Ferrario from the Gold Coast. 

Additionally, in the metropolitan area, 

Gillian Croke and Lyn Edwards have given 

many days of their time to our members. 

Also assisting in court support have been 

several of our Practicum students who 

have availed themselves of the opportunity 

to learn about the legal process and also 

connect with our members. Several of the 

students have reported feeling that after 

spending time in court they have a new 

appreciation of some of what our members 

experience and as a result of this have 

further developed their communication 

skills. 

Support Group Meetings 

The essence of ‘peer support’ is 

encapsulated in the unique experience of 

QHVSG’s support group meetings. 

Enabling families to come together to 

meet, share views and experiences, and 

help guide each other through the rocky 

path ahead. Many of our families state 

that simply meeting another person who 

has lost a loved one, offers great comfort in 

knowing that they are not alone. 

This year has seen a growth in new support 

meetings in Cairns, Springfield, Caboolture, 

Maroochydore and Mackay. While the 

Gold Coast grows from strength to strength 

and Toowoomba continues to flourish. 

Outreach Visits 

It is always our aim, where possible, to meet 

with the newly bereaved family in their 

home, and to provide an insight into our 

group, helping to personalise future 

telephone support calls made by our team 

following the initial home visit. 

Following the devastation of homicide, many 

families are in dire need of practical 

information regarding what is ahead, their 

rights concerning the investigation and the 

media, and put simply, a helping hand, 

someone to share their pain and their grief. 

Memorial Services 

QHVSG’s successful annual Memorial 

Services held though out Queensland, again 

offered a unique opportunity for families to 

come together, meet others who have 

experienced the anguish of homicide, and 

share stories, information and suggestions 

on their healing experience and recover. 


help foster a greater appreciation and 

empathy for our families. 

Presentations 

One Punch Can Kill 87 

Training Sessions 9 

QHVSG Awareness Lectures 17 

Detective Training 2 

Brisbane Memorial Service 

News-Link 

QHVSG’s Bi-monthly newsletter, News- 

Link, provides a regular contact for QHVSG 

families, particularly those in rural areas 

where the opportunities of direct contact 

with our group are limited. News-Link 

offers a chance for families to share their 

experiences, insights and journeys, to offer 

help, write personal and emotional tributes 

to loved ones, and to offer encouragement 

to other families. The electronic version of 

News-Link has helped with cost saving, 

saving the environment, and allowing 

families to receive our newsletter in colour 

format. 

Informing the Community 

An important component of QHVSG is 

community education, which involves 

informing and engaging the community, 

service providers and stakeholders on 

relevant issues. The individual accounts and 

experiences of our families bring a personal 

element to homicide, encouraging the 

community to think outside statistics and 

community considered norms, and consider 

the trauma families suffer after the impact of 

lethal violence on those left behind. 

QHVSG continues to work in the community 

to dispel the myths around homicide, and 

Awareness Day Display 

Detective Training 

QHVSG continued to guest present at the 

Oxley Academy Phase III Detective Training 

attending three sessions, educating 

Detectives in the role of the QHVSG, the 

importance of referring families to our 

service, and informing detectives on how to 

work more effectively and relate to families 

in the long term. 

Police Academy, Oxley 


Community Presentations 

This year, QHVSG continued to attend 

community speaking engagements with 

schools, students, stakeholders and other 

community members. The issues 

surrounding violence and homicide and the 

service that QHVSG provides are the key 

notes in all presentations. 

have been affected by one punch deaths and 

statistic. 

‘One Punch Can Kill’ 

The DVD runs for an hour. Ross talks from a 

victim’s perspective. The presentation 

finishes with a song recorded by Phillip 

Halipilias just 4 days before he was killed in a 

similar situation. Phillip was twenty years old 

at the time. This presentation is very 

relevant to today’s youth and is mainly 

aimed at Years 10, 11, 12 students. 

This campaign began in 2009 as a result of 

the death of a young man, Matthew Stanley, 

at a party where he was punched and 

knocked to the ground and kicked. He was 

15 years of age when he died. 

Ross Thompson, General Manager, QHVSG, 

will visit schools, on invitation, to present a 

video and talk to students about the 

campaign itself and highlight the issues to 

the youth of today with the aim of educating 

them in self-control. 

Ross presents a fifteen minute video of a 

young girl’s 16th birthday party. The major 

scenarios covered in the video address 

drugs, alcohol, sexual abuse, a person while 

drunk and being hit by a motor vehicle. 

From that, the video leads into statistics and 

memorials of people who have been killed 

through the One Punch situation. The slide 

show, as part of the DVD, focuses on 

different people throughout the state who 

QHVSG continues to be asked to comment 

publicly on a range of issues concerning 

homicide, violence and justice. Whilst QHVSG 

is selective about which issues we as an 

organisation comment on publicly, during the 

2012-2013 year, the group commented on the 

following topics: 

• The role of QHVSG 

• Murder defences 

• ‘One Punch Can Kill’ campaign 

• Violence in general 

• Youth violence 


Our Team of Volunteers 

An organisation such as Queensland Homicide 

Victims’ Support Group could not function 

without the dedicated volunteers who give 

freely of their time in a variety of ways. To the 

very talented administration volunteers, give 

assistance with document preparation, 

anniversary letters and assist in a huge way 

with answering the phones to the outgoing 

phone support, court support volunteers 

and after-hours phone support, we say a 

huge thank you. 

Our Volunteers 

QHVSG wishes to acknowledge the following 

volunteers; 

Leanne Albury (Volunteer of the Year 2011) 

Shelley Allison 

Catherine Anderson 

Sonia Anderson 

Emma Barnes 

Jody Bergman 

Robbie Carroll 

Trischell Coutts 

Alexandra Cox 

Gillian Croke (Volunteer of the Year 2008) 

Michael Croke 

Val Currie 

De Klerk 

Petra De Klerk 

Dionisia De Santis 

Gai Ferrario 

Monique Ferrario (Volunteer of the Year 2013) 

Scott Furlong 

John Gaskell 

Keren Green 

Lillian Greenup 

Sandra Hastie 

Jeanette Hayden 

Kim Lynn Heinimann 

Vicky Heppenstall 

Shruti Hutchison 

Jenny Jackson 

Christopher Jaffrey 

Tracy Johnston 

Bianca Kelley 

Peter Lane 

Del Latemore 

Debbie Lawler (Volunteer of the Year 2009) 

Gabrielle Lennon 

Diane Lynch 

Lovey Manteit 

Karen Martin 

Phoebe Meyer 

Sheree Millar 

Peter Muller 

Joanna Munro 


Marie Newell 

Miranda Newton 

Susan Nitz 

Geraldene O'Driscoll 

Kerry Oestreich (Volunteer of the Year 2014) 

Lesley Perkins 

Owen Pontin (Volunteer of the Year 2010) 

Fiona Robinsen 

Julie Rolfe 

Melissa Ryan 

Robert Ryan 

Ted Sanders 

Corrine Scott 

Geoff Sheldon 

Diane and Ivan Smerdon (Volunteer of the Year 

2012) 

Dianne Stackelberg 

Jaklyn Stephan 

Angela Szczepanski 

Tessa Taylor 

Cheryl Thorpe 

Laura Topfer 

Alina Visan 

Volunteer 

Helen Wallace 

Billie Jean Watson 

Linda Watson 

Caspar Wenn 

Jonathan Willis 


Our Valued Partners 

The work of the Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group is made possible only through the 

support of a small number of agencies and supporters. In 2013-2014, we would like to extend thanks 

to the following: 

Victim Assist Queensland 

Victim Assist Queensland focuses on assisting the 

recovery of victims of crime who have been injured 

as a result of an act of violence. 

Queensland Police Service 

QPS vision is to help make Queensland a safe and 

secure place to live, visit and do business. 

Gambling Community Benefit Fund 

For providing funding for the technology to deliver 

regional support 

McInnes Wilson 

McInnes Wilson Lawyers is one of the largest 

Queensland-based law firms, ranked among the 

top 100 privately-owned companies in the state. 

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation 

For supporting child victims 

AFL Masters 

The Game of AFL Masters (AFLM) provides the opportunity for players 35 

years and over to enjoy the game of Aussie Rules Football in a safe, 

supportive and fun environment. 

23D Pty Ltd 

23D provides a number of business services including 

■ Advice 

■ Consultation 

■ Development 

■ Planning 


Metropolitan funerals 

Whoever you are, we’ll do it your way 

Ipswich City Council 

The Council sets the vision and strategic direction for 

the City and is also responsible for setting the Council's 

organisational structure. 

Studio Culture 

We’re Studio Culture, and our only job is to help our 

clients succeed online. We work hard at making your 

story be heard above everyone else’s in this highly 

cluttered online environment. 

Best Signs 

Best Signs have been in Queensland for over 10 years 

and we are committed to quality. 

Kedron-Wavell Services Club 

Kedron-Wavell Services Club - ‘supporting the community 

that supports us.’. 

Australian Health & Safety Supplies 

We are a family owned and operated company selling 

a range of health and safety supplies located in Underwood, 

Brisbane QLD. Service to our customers is proven by quick 

and efficient supply. 

Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors Charitable Foundation 

Macrossan & Amiet are proud to have established the Charitable 

Foundation and to continue to support the Charitable Foundation by 

meeting all administrative expenses. The Charitable Foundation has 

provided great support to the people of Mackay and surrounding 

districts and we encourage our clients to support it. 


Financial Report, 2013/14 

Robin Christmas, as part time Finance Officer, has been able to provide the 

Treasurer, the Board of Management, and the General Manager with up to date 

financial information for this financial year. The group has completed another 

very busy year, with an overall operating surplus of $2,068.19 after allowing for 

depreciation of $31,800. 

The small positive result reflects the tight budget in operating costs for the 

financial year and also the necessity for raising our own funds outside of our 

Government grants. As you can see Group Funds raised amounted to 

$53,469.67.This figure gives you an idea of our shortfall in funding. 

Income and Expenditure for the year ended 

30th June 2014 

Total Income $536,929.67 

Funding income $483,460.00 

Derived from Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General grant of $361,460 paid half 

yearly. The increase over last year was due to indexation paid. 

However, this does not cover the full increase in our award wages and expenses. 

We also received funding by DOJ for Peer Support Program of $122,000 paid half yearly and not 

indexed. 

Group Income $53,469.67 

Made up of bank interest, donations, fundraising, memberships, loss on disposal and sale of assets, 

other grants and a special Capital Grant from the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney 

General. This was to set up our Peer Support Program in North QLD and Darling Downs. 

Total Expenses $534,861.48 

Funding Expenses $497,524.88 

Funding expenses increased on last year by $22,611.85 but is offset by Capital Grants and Group 

Income of $53,469.67 This resulted in our Surplus of $2,068.19 

Most expenses have been kept under control this year but it is difficult to compare this year with the 

previous year due to new funding resulting in an increase in overheads and wages. 

Group Expenses $ 37,236.60 

Made up of funded expenses, member payments, fundraising expenses, promotions and memorials, 

volunteer costs. 

Group Summary:- 

Total Income 

Total Expenses 

Surplus 

$536,929.67 

$534,861.48 

$ 2,068.19 

All figures are net of GST – All reports are based on accrual accounting. 


Balance Sheet as at 30th June 2014 

ASSETS 

Petty Cash on hand 

Deposits for banking $ 753.00 

$ 300.00 

Rental Bond Authority 

Prepayments $ 2,632.36 

$ 1,620.00 

BOQ General Account 

BOQ Group Account $ 100.00 

$ 3,158.61 

ING Investment Account $57,447.61 BOQ Web Account $43,958.45 

BOQ Term Deposit $10,000.00 

Cash reserves are set aside for capital replacements, staff award increases and staff wage entitlement 

provisions. All general banking is conducted with Bank of Queensland and surplus funds are kept in the 

ING Investment Account and Bank of Queensland Web Account and Term Deposit to maximize interest 

earned, currently at 2.75% for ING and 2.25% for BOQ and 3months Term Deposit 3.60% 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 

$120,093.23 

FIXED ASSETS 

Vehicles, Furniture, Plant & Equipment 

During the year purchases of new assets amounted to $11,528.08 including – 

Chair for NQ, desk NQ, Banners OPCK, BBQ, Esky, Cabinet, Marquee, USB Backups. and assets funded 

by DOJ for Peer Support Program $9,159.88 

NON CURRENT ASSETS $ 88,064.35 

TOTAL ASSETS $208,157.58 

TOTAL LIABILITIES $128,396.28 

Made up of current liabilities- accounts payable $5,072.36, petty cash $160.25, 

employee entitlements $75,792.28, 

Tax payable –gst and payg $1,373.96 Total $87,428.85 

Long term liabilities - motor vehicle loans - Esanda Ltd $5,146.83 ANZ $35,820.06 

NET ASSETS (Members Funds) $ 79,761.30 

Report for Operating Year 2013/14 

Costs associated with the ongoing function of QHVSG increase annually and leave us with the continuing 

problem of finding extra funding. It is unfortunate for us to have to acknowledge that shortfall of funding 

is a limiting factor in the services that we provide to our members and the community, in that we cannot 

provide full time employment to all our staff. This places added pressure on the organization in 

maintaining support services and does not allow for any expansion in this area. There is no doubt that 

demands for our services increases each year, and as a consequence, additional staff hours and more 

administration costs also increase. Therefore, we need to seriously address fundraising, and/or seek 

continued government funding. To this end, the input of suggestions from all concerned members, staff, 

and other interested people will be welcomed to ensure this deserving organization can continue the 

work it was set up to perform. 

There can also be no doubting the organization has come a long way since 1995, when it was created by 

founding members in Townsville. It was self-funded in the beginning, and on 27 th of April 1998, QHVSG 

became a partly funded organization. 

A special thanks to our current funding body- Queensland Government Department of Justice and 

Attorney General – Victims Assist Queensland. 

For the Hon. Treasurer 



PO Box 292 

Lutwyche Queensland 4030 

Telephone 07 3857 4744 

Fax 07 3857 4766 

admin@qhvsg.org.au 

Published 29 th November 2014

1 Annual Report 2013 - 2014

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?