Annual Report 2014 - 2015

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General Manager – Report Ross Thompson I wish to congratulate the outgoing Board of Management for their devoted hard work and their contribution over the last twelve months, achieving enormous goals for the organisation. Over the last 12 months the organisation has exceeded its own goals within the state and has also been recognized nationally for its outstanding achievements. There is not much that Debbie has left out in her comprehensive report for the year and rather than repeat what she has said, I will keep my report brief. I would, however, like to reiterate my heartfelt gratitude for those in our team who make the organisation as successful as it is. We have been very successful in gaining the support of government with the introduction of the new One Punch Laws: "Unlawful Attack Occasioning Death" last year. Sadly, the tragic loss of two AFL stars Wayne Dover and Bruce Steensen to one punch has had a lot to do with the change, and to the way the public has responded to such violence. Not only has this been the major push to change the laws in this state but it has also given us the inspiration to revamp the OPCK logo and the campaign to a new high with a current FaceBook membership of over 33,000 along with many new products at our online store. We are presently in talks with the current government to have the OPCK logos placed on Police Vehicles as mentioned by the President Debbie Lawler 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. These sites are of the utmost quality and provide a lot of information for all, particularly for families that have lost a loved one to violence. We are endeavouring to keep these sites as up to date as possible with the aim not only of providing general information, but also details of current projects or events within the organisation. We welcome Deborah Taylor as a Family Support Coordinator for the South Eastern Region (to help in Paula’s absence). Deborah had been helping us out for some time in the capacity as student and volunteer prior to taking on the position of Family Support Coordinator. I am sure that she will fill the gap left by Paula and we all wish her the best in her new role. 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 and celebrating our 20 th year. 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. 9 Annual Report 2014-2015
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. 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. 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. 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 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 10 Annual Report 2014-2015
Page 1 and 2: Annual Report 2014-2015
Page 3 and 4: OUR CORE VALUES We are committed to
Page 5 and 6: QHVSG Team Board of Management 2014
Page 7 and 8: to be reckoned with in the communit
Page 9: “Slammed” which is a compilatio
Page 13 and 14: Those in Support Paula Starmer Debo
Page 15 and 16: Soraya Seklaoui inspiration to make
Page 17 and 18: I look forward to continuing to dev
Page 19 and 20: time to support our members at our
Page 21 and 22: Scott Furlong Tina Good Sherrie Mey
Page 23 and 24: Court Support This has been a very
Page 25 and 26: Community Presentations This year,
Page 27 and 28: Volunteers - Non Victim Catherine A
Page 29 and 30: McInnes Wilson McInnes Wilson Lawye
Page 31 and 32: ASSETS Petty Cash on hand $ 300.00

Annual Report 2014 - 2015

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