Tribute to Chris Rainsford

Transcription

1 RTST Newsletter 2014 Tribute to Chris Rainsford The Road Trauma Support Team of SA committee, families and friends pay tribute to our very popular and highly respected Counsellor, Mr Christopher Richard Rainsford. Chris died peacefully on 28 September 2014 after a brave and short battle with cancer. We wish to acknowledge the outstanding service he provided on behalf of RTST always devoting his love and time above and beyond the call of duty. Chris was a passionate supporter of RTST and supported our clients by providing short term intervention based on an assessment of the client s needs including, Social Worker Support, Early Intervention, Crisis Counselling, Narrative Therapy, Family Counselling and practical support to steer clients through the myriad of notifications and paperwork that follows a road trauma. Chris provided in home consultations as well as over the telephone reaching individuals and family groups in both the metropolitan and regional areas. We will remember Chris for his generosity, passion, infectious positivity, warm hugs and unrelenting story telling. Commissioner for Victims Rights The Commissioner for Victims Rights, Mr Michael O Connell advises the State Government, advances victims rights and assists victims in their interactions with government agencies and others, including inquiring into victims grievances. RTST wish to acknowledge and express gratitude for the support provided by the Government of South Australia, the AttorneyGeneral and the Commissioner for Victims Rights. By far the most expensive costs incurred by RTST are for the provision of counselling services and during 2013/2014 in excess of 300 counselling consultations for over 100 clients were funded. Quite simply, without this financial support RTST would not be able to provide this service despite our fund raising efforts. Page 1

2 The Community Achievement Awards for South Australia are held annually and recognize individuals, organisations and groups who are making a difference in our local communities and State. In 2014 RTST entered a submission in the category of Community Road Safety which is sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers. The RTST committee attended a Gala Presentation Dinner at the Hilton Hotel where it was announced that we were one of three finalists in the category of Community Road Safety. It was with much pride that the committee received this recognition and during the proceedings we were presented with a beautifully framed certificate. The much deserved winner was Eli Murn of Park Holme who suffering a brain injury as a result of losing control of his car in Eli speaks to thousands of high school students each year through a number of community groups across Adelaide and regional South Australia. He strives to teach young people about the importance of road safety and how one single decision or choice can impact your entire life. Eli is a strong advocate for road safety and volunteers his time with the Brain Injury Network of South Australia. Congratulations Eli! World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims The Road Trauma Support Team of SA observed World Remembrance Day (WRD) for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday 16 November 2014 at St Helens Park, Prospect. WRD is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year to remember the many millions of people killed and injured on the world s roads, together with their families and many others also affected. The theme for 2014 was Speed kills design out speeding. Page 2

3 We were overwhelmed by the number of people and dignitaries who attended the event and our picture tribute table was filled quickly with many placing a photograph of their loved ones which were on display at the front of proceedings. Although cool and threatening to rain it stayed dry and the sun eventually came out. The event commenced with the lighting of a candle followed by an opening speech by Mr Michael O Connell, Commissioner for Victims Rights. Several attendees then spoke of their journey or read poignant words and poems. Our harpist played throughout the service and most touching was the memorial roll call. A release of butterflies concluded with service before everyone enjoyed lunch that had been prepared and donated by the Sunshine Rotary Club of Prospect. Page 3

4 RTST committee wish to express their gratitude to the following people who donated their time in support on World Remembrance Day. All members of the Sunrise Rotary Club Ms Carolyn Burgess Harpist Reverend Brenton Daulby Ms Sandra Sullivan Celebrant Honourable Tony Piccolo Minister for Road Safety Mr Michael O Connell Commissioner for Victims Rights Acting Assistant Commissioner Bamford South Australia Police Mr Michael Cornish General Manager Road Safety, Motor Accident Commission Metropolitan Fire Service personnel Fundraising 2014 The two largest fundraising drives held by RTST in 2014 were the People s Choice Credit Union Lottery and a BBQ held at Bunnings Mile End in December. The Bunnings BBQ was a great success, very hot and a lot of fun. Thank you to the committee members and many other friends who came along to help out on the day. Page 4

5 RAA Street Smart 2014 RTST committee members attended the RAA youth and road trauma awareness event held over two days on 26 and 27 March 2014 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Port Road at Hindmarsh. The road safety education event aims to reduce the state s shocking youth road toll by showing young people the devastating reality of road trauma. It is estimated some 8000 students from Year will attend the event. RTST members speak to the youth in attendance and provide information on our support services as well as handing out our ever popular Ella Bears. RTST members find the event confronting but rewarding in as much as spreading the word to the next generation with messages of road safety and support.. Page 5

6 Support Group Meeting Dates pm 86 George St, Thebarton (1 st Monday of each month except January NOTE dates change due to public holidays) 2 February March April May June July August September October November December 2015 Mark the dates on your calendar or check our website. Page 6

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