Construction to begin on Grace’s Place at Doonside after sod turning

The first ground has been broken on the world’s first residential trauma centre for children affected by homicide, Grace’s Place, marking the start of construction.

Angelo Cusumano, Kathryn Szyszka, Peter Simpson and Martha Jabour of the Homicide Victims Support Group mark the turning of the first sod at Grace’s Place in Doonside on September 7. Picture: Angelo Velardo

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The world’s first residential trauma facility for children affected by homicide has broken new ground after the official turning of the sod.

Construction is now expected to begin on the $10 million Doonside centre after Saturday’s milestone, which was led by the Homicide Victims Support Group (HVSG).

Grace’s Place is named in honour of the mother of the late Anita Cobby, Grace Lynch, who founded the HVSG in 1993 alongside husband Garry Lynch and parents Peter and Christine Simpson, whose daughter Ebony was murdered in 1992.

Peter Simpson, Kathryn Szyszka and Angelo Cusumano (centre) and Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali turn the first sod at Grace's Place in Doonside. Picture: Angelo Velardo

After its anticipated opening in mid-2021, the centre will provide accommodation, therapeutic services, counselling, activities and meals for up to 12 children — and their carers — who have lost a parent through murder

HVSG executive director Martha Jabour said the milestone was made possible through funding contributions from all tiers of government.

“The support by all levels of government has been critical to making Grace’s Place a bricks-and-mortar reality — and for that we are truly grateful,” Ms Jabour said.

“But to see the thousands of hours of work that has been poured into the planning, development and fundraising for the project come to fruition — and for us to mark the next stage in the process of construction with a celebration — that is just awesome.”

An artist’s impression of children's homicide support centre, Grace's Place, due to be completed in June 2021. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Sister of Anita Cobby and Grace’s Place patron Kathryn Szyszka said the opening “couldn’t come soon enough”.

“Following the death of Anita, my parents devoted their lives to making certain that something good should come from something so tragic. Their involvement with the Homicide Victims’ Support Group helped to sustain them,” Ms Szyszka said.

“I’m certain that they would be in awe of this project and all of the support and donations that have been provided, particularly in the local Blacktown area.

“I wish my parents were here today. I know that they would be extremely proud.”

Earlier this year, the development received $6.1 million in funding from the Federal Government, in addition to $3.3 million from the State Government. Blacktown Council has contributed $600,000 towards site remediation and other works.