$6 million to bring Grace’s Place vision to reality

The Liberal National Government will contribute $6.1 million towards the establishment of a world-first residential recovery centre to help children and young people through the trauma of losing a loved one by homicide.

Grace’s Place, which was named after murder victim Anita Cobby’s mother Grace Lynch, will provide support for children and young people aged three to 18 years who have been affected by homicide.

Member for Banks David Coleman said the centre will be located in the Western Sydney suburb of  Doonside and operated by the Homicide Victims Support Group.

“Grace’s Place will include residential accommodation, meeting rooms, a music room, indoor and outdoor play spaces and gardens,” Minister Coleman said.

“It will provide clinical care and learning skills on how to survive the trauma through a 10-week residential program.

“Services will be provided at no cost to children, young people and their families from around Australia.

This Federal funding, which was committed to in MYEFO, is in addition to $3.3 million committed by the NSW Government for Grace’s Place.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the centre will be a safe place and healing centre for children and young people and their adult carers.

“Each year, an average of 129 people are victims of domestic or family homicides in Australia.  A small number may also be affected by homicide in other circumstances,” Minister Hunt said.

“We have an ongoing commitment to support the mental health of Australians.”

 

Angelo Cusumano, who is a Grace’s Place Committee Member, has welcomed news of this funding, noting the positive impact it will have for many children and young people affected by the trauma of losing a loved one to homicide.

 

“I lost my father when I was 13 and my brothers and sister didn’t have anything like Grace’s Place growing up.  It’s great to be able to see the vision of Grace’s Place finally come together,” Mr Cusumano said. 

 

“We have been working on this project for some time now, and it’s fantastic to be able to witness it progress to the next level.  Children and young people will soon have the right environment and support to learn how to cope and trust the world once again.”

 

Overall, the Morrison Government is prioritising better mental health for all Australians with $4.7 billion expected to be spent on mental health this financial year. 

 

(ENDS)