A new op-shop is helping to support the families of homicide victims, providing vital funds for the world’s first residential trauma centre for children, ‘Grace’s Place’.
The ‘New Leaf’ second hand store at 64 Macquarie Street, Parramatta is run by the Homicide Victims Support Group (HVSG) that are behind the trauma centre currently being constructed at Doonside.
The group was first established in 1993 when the parents of murder victims Anita Cobby and Ebony Simpson were introduced.
HVSG was founded alongside Executive Director Martha Jabour to help fill the gap in providing vital support and counselling for families impacted by homicide.
‘Grace’s Place’, named after Anita Cobby’s mother Grace Lynch, will provide critical support and counselling services for children affected by homicide.
HVSG President Rob Taylor knows first hand how much of a positive impact the group’s support has.
Back in 2003 his son Simon was fatally stabbed when the pair went to sell a diamond ring in Glebe.
Since then Mr Taylor and his wife have dedicated their lives to the group’s work, after it provided care and support to them during their darkest times.
“When these things happen you just don’t know what to do, you are so lost beyond words,” he told Parra News.
“I joined the group after a while and was so taken aback by the incredible work they were doing; I knew I wanted to dedicate my time to this and I have been President of the group ever since.
“No one understands like those who have experienced the same trauma and that is what is so incredibly important with this group.
“But it’s children who are the forgotten members of homicide and that’s why Grace’s Place is so important.
“Children don’t understand homicide but are so greatly impacted by the repercussions; they really just float in misunderstanding and are really the forgotten victims.”
All of the money raised from the op-shop will go towards continuing the operations of Grace’s Place, once opened.
The centre will consist of residential and counselling facilities and will be the new Head Office of the Homicide Victims Support Group.
For its construction, $6.1 million and $3.3 million was granted from the Federal and State Governments.
The Doonside centre is expected to open later this year.
Those interested in donations or volunteering are encouraged to enquire at the Macquarie Street store.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.