By Amelia Willmer
Scores of guests came to hear the parents of murder victim Hannah Clarke speak in Warwick on Saturday.
Sue and Lloyd Clarke were guests of honour at fundraising luncheon at the RSL, where they presented a $25000 cheque to Warwick’s Protea Place.
They lost not only their beautiful daughter Hannah, but also her three adorable little children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, in a brutal murder in a suburban Brisbane street by their crazed father on 19 February 2020.
It was a crime that shocked the nation.
Sue and Lloyd have harnessed the power of their grief to drive a major change in the way domestic violence is defined.
The 150 guests at Saturday’s luncheon applauded their success in having the definition of domestic and family violence changed to better protect women experiencing coercive control.
Sue and Lloyd told the audience they were very hopeful the new law on coercive control would be passed in State Parliament by September “in time for Hannah’s heavenly birthday”.
Spokeswoman for Protea Place, Kathy Payne, said: “Australians have nothing but respect and admiration for Sue and Lloyd Clarke.
“They have channeled their unimaginable grief into a powerful force for change and a powerful force for good.
“Through their foundation, Small Steps 4 Hannah, they have forged strong links with Protea Place.
“They love what Protea Place is and what it does and we are very grateful them for this generous donation.”
Funds were further boosted on the day by a $5000 donation from Scope Allora, topping up a previous $3000 donation by them last November.
The RSL donated $500, provided two multi-draw prizes, and offered ongoing venue support.
Protea Place, which is on schedule to open doors in June at the old Uniting Church Manse, will be a day refuge providing wrap-around care for all women aged over 18.
There will be practical assistance such as hot meals, hot showers and laundry facilities, as well as professional support services to provide advice on and assistance with domestic violence, child safety, housing, mental health, physical health, connectedness, legal support and advocacy.
The service’s name is derived from the Protea flower as a symbol of diversity and courage, and its ability to grow and thrive in hostile environments.
Protea Place receives no government funding and relies totally on community financial donations, sponsorship, community grants and active fundraising.
Kathy praised her team of hardworking volunteers, Jill Bockman, Sue Campbell, Ian Darnell, Julie Gliori, Sue Harris, and Ansie Liebenberg.
