The family of murdered Bacchus Marsh woman Sarah Cafferkey hopes that a fund to improve support services for local young people will provide a fitting legacy.
Ms Cafferkey’s cousin, Hollie Closter-Cutajar, with the support of Ms Cafferkey’s mother, Noelle Dickson, has launched an appeal to raise money to help Djerriwarrh Health Services expand youth services in Bacchus Marsh.
Ms Cafferkey, 22, sought the help of existing services before she was killed in November last year.
“We need something local that would help kids like Sarah when she was having the troubles she was,’’ Ms Closter-Cutajar said. ‘‘Somewhere to turn to that’s close by and comfortable.
“Sarah had accessed the current health services to get her on the right track. But before she could even have a chance, her time was cut short. We don’t want to see it happen to anyone else again.”
The Sarah Cafferkey Youth Services Appeal has already raised more than $5500, with Bacchus Marsh Grammar School and Pentland childcare and kindergarten showing support.
Djerriwarrh acting chief executive David Grace said Djerriwarrh wanted to build on its youth counselling services through its adolescent and young adult program.
“Our aim is to build up the presence of the service within a location that young people feel comfortable about accessing.’’
An online auction will be held from October 24-27, with local businesses encouraged to get involved.
Ms Closter-Cutajar said Ms Dickson wanted no other family to go through the pain she had suffered.
“Noelle has been a pillar of strength. She gets up every day and fights for Sarah. That’s what we’re doing: fighting for all of our kids, fighting to keep faith.”
» Donations: www.sarahcafferkey.com
