VICTIMS OF CRIME AWARENESS WEEK 2008
Was held November 2008, with a Prayer Service at St Francis Church 326 Lonsdale St Melbourne, the heart of the city & meeting place for many Melbournians, and tourist.
The Service was beautifully worded, and with such sensitivity. We thank Father Tom Knowles and the community of St Francis for their support for Victims of Crime.
PUBLIC GATHERING
MEMORIAL PLAQUE AND TREE
AT THE KINGS DOMAIN GARDENS.
ST KILDA RD, MELBOURNE
GUEST SPEAKERS
Councillor David Wilson, Melbourne City Council
Has been with us from the start as a great supporter of Victims of Crime, with his compassion and willingness to offer his services whenever we need him.
Derryn Hinch, Broadcaster
Derryn is a man of conviction, and has always spoken out on the injustices of victims; we were honoured to have him on this day. He inspires us all.
John Hamilton, Herald Sun, Associate Editor
John, spoke to us as if he had known us for years, he has seen a lot In his years as a reporter, and shared his knowledge with us.
Dr Nicole Highet, beyondblue
Spoke on post traumatic syndrome, and we appreciated meeting her and listening to her words.
www.beyondblue.org.au 1300224633
VICTIMS VOICES
Marg Markovic Working against Culpable Driving
www.culpabledriving.org
Jenny Newman Victims of crime Advocacy League
vocal@bigpond.com
Janine Greening read a poem written by Simone called "Dear Nanna" to her Grandmother Marie Greening Zidan
Madeline Baldissera on behalf of Melissah the Louise and Chairman foundation for missing Persons www.louiseandcharmian.com
We would like to give special thanks to Simon Dodd’s who sang for us, "You’ll never walk alone" and "You’ve got a friend"
Special thanks to Jean, and all who came to give their support.
A LIFE SENTENCE FOR THE FAMILIES
OF VICTIMS OF CRIME
BEING A VICTIM OF CRIME
SHOWS NO RACE, NO RELIGION, NO GENDER,
NO AGE, NO COLOR
ANYONE CAN BE A VICTIM
I HOPE ITS IS NOT YOU?
Janine Greening
Through hard work and dedication by VOCAW committee members the dream became a reality.
Tree Planting and Plaque Ceremony 2005
The first Victorian "Tree Planting and Plaque Ceremony" dedicated to all victims of crime was held at the King Domain Gardens , Melbourne on 6th November, 2005 .
This would not have been possible had it not been for the dedication and hard work of VOCAW committee members. The Melbourne City Council generously donated the plaque and tree. Their support acknowledged that victims of crime are to be honoured and remembered. Our sincere thanks to The Right Honourable, The Lord Mayer, John So and David Wilson for donation of the plaque and tree.

VOCAW Plaque
Universal Prayer Service 2005
The first Universal Prayer Service was held at St. Francis Church, 326 Lonsdale Street , Melbourne on the 9th November, 2005.
VOCAW are indebted to Father Peter Collins and Margaret Richards for their compassion and empathy of victims of crime. The service conducted by Father Peter was full of love, hope and empathy; and expressed the pain and heartache that victims and their families endure. Service programmes were donated and prepared by Margaret Richards. They were were beautifully worded and presented. Thank you Margaret.
Father Peter believed an annual Universal Prayer Service should be conducted to honour and remember victims of crime and has generously donated his services for an annual Universal Prayer Service . We thank Father Peter for his unending support, love and compassion in remembering our loved ones.

Tree planted in King Domain Gardens , Melbourne
Victims of Crime Awareness Week 2005
The Victims of Crime Awareness Week gave all victims of crime a chance to come together and raise awareness of various issues relating to crime. Our purpose was to galvanize community views about how Victoria handles serious crimes, its perpetrators and the loved ones left behind. The National Victims of Crime Awareness Week will unite all victims of crime nationally with the venue rotated around all States.
The forum 'A United Voice for Victims of Crime ' was conducted at the Melbourne Town Hall on the 11th and 12th November, 2005.
We attracted a number of high profile speakers and panel members for the Forum, which included the Police and Emergency Services Minister Tim Holding, Andrew McIntosh Shadow Attorney-General, Robin Cooper M.L.A., Paul Coghlan, QC Director of Public Prosecutions, Professor Arie Freiberg Head of the Sentencing Advisory Council, Howard W. Brown OAM Vice President VOCAL Inc. NSW, Steve Medcraft President People Against Lenient Sentencing, Domenic Greco Psychologist, John Silvester, Senior Crime Reporter The Age, Robyn Cotterell-Jones Executive Director VOCAL (Newcastle NSW), Neville Coventry Chief Executive Officer Queensland Homicide Victims' Support Group and from a victims perspective speeches by victims Dimitria Halvagis and Laura Francis.

Janine Greening President of VOCAW Making Speech
Again we express our thanks to the Melbourne City Council for providing the Melbourne Town Hall for the forum. Their support and acknowledgement of victims of crime enabled us to hold the first Victorian Victims of Crime Forum.
A Great Step Forward in the Recognition of all Victims



