A multi-faith ceremony of healing for those impacted by road trauma will be held at Victoria’s Parliament House this month.
Every year, the Uniting Church organises a Time for Remembering service on the third Sunday of November to commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Trauma Victims.
The ceremony is also an opportunity to pay tribute to organisations and first responders who work tirelessly to reduce incidents of road trauma.
Synod disability inclusion advocate Rev Andy Calder initiated the service.
“Since 2001, the Uniting Church VicTas Synod and Road Trauma Support Services Victoria have organised this ceremony in Parliament House,” he said.
“It continues to be a significant event for people affected by grief and loss on Victorian roads.”
Representatives from the state government, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Victoria Police and emergency services will attend.
Visitors are invited to bring a framed photo of their loved ones or other symbol of remembrance and light a candle in their memory.
A number of guests will share stories of loss and healing during the ceremony.
“The tears of pure pain, shed in that communally supportive space, were a necessary release,” an attendee from last year’s ceremony said.
“Walking up the stairs of Parliament and placing a photo of my son inside, and being part of such a thoughtfully created ceremony, gave me something precious: recognition and validation of this difficult new role of a bereaved mother of a young son killed in a senseless road crash.”
The ceremony is open to all, including those with no religious affiliation.
In the year up to September 874 people have lost their lives on Australian roads.
Time for Remembering will take place at Queen’s Hall, Parliament on Sunday 18 November 2018. Please arrive before 11:45am to allow sufficient time to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the building.
RSVP Friday 16 November 2018 to 1300 367 797 or office.manager@rtssv.org.au.
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