Homicide Victims Support Group - Annual BBQ

5.11 Australia attended the HVSG annual BBQ to lend a hand with the renovations taking place. The renovations were a surprise for two wonderful ladies who spend a lot of their time and money in the recovery center helping those less fortunate then ourselves.

Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) Inc was formed in 1993 to provide support, counselling and information for families and friends affected by homicide in NSW. There is 1 murder every 3 days in NSW! The Group has three main aims:

SUPPORT: To provide support, information and counseling for families and friends affected by the murder of a loved one.

EDUCATION: To educate the general community and professional bodies about the needs of people affected by homicide and to increase effective communication between all parties that come into contact with families of homicide victims, thus promoting understanding.

REFORM: To promote the interests and rights of families of homicide victims, lobbying for legislative change wherever inequities or loopholes exist.

Every year the HVSG hold their annual BBQ at the HVSG Recovery Center (Ebony Simpson House). This year was extra special as they decided to renovate the house, which hadn’t been renovated in 30 years. Bill Green, who organised the renovations, spent a lot of his time sourcing donations to help with renovations. Hats off to bill who scored donations from Bunnings, Mitre10 and 5.11 Tactical to name a few. His aim was to brighten up the house and make it comfortable for families to stay in when need be. Each year Bill attends the BBQ as Santa Claus and each year attempts to outdo his entrance to the event. We believe he achieved that this year with entry onto the grounds via PolAir and escorted to the front of the house by NSW Mounted Police, California Highway Patrol, NSW Trail Bike Squad, NSW Highway Patrol, 5.11 Australia’s 1978 XC Falcon Police Car- originally from Canterbury HWP and 5.11 Australia staff dressed in 1970’s police Air Wing , Rescue Squad, Highway Patrol Cyclist , Crown Sergeant , VIP Dress Cyclist  Uniforms.

5.11 Australia staff also helped with the painting of the house and donated an Oven/Range hood, microwave and kitchen island to the house! It was a fun filled day and was the least we could do for those families less fortunate than us. Walking through the hallways of the house, and seeing those hundreds of picture frames of people who had been murdered throughout the years, really makes you stop and realise how lucky we are and to enjoy time spent with friends and family.

We would like to thank all 5.11 staff and friends who attended on the day and really appreciate all the help they provided.”

5.11 Australia