Murder victim Sarah Cafferkey's mother Noelle nominated for Pride of Australia

MURDER victim Sarah Cafferkey's mother Noelle has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal for her admirable courage.

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NOELLE Dickson doesn't recognise herself any more.

 "I used to be a very quiet, reserved person. I was always the type of person who sat back. I was never one to pipe up," Ms Dickson says.

"I'd hear of things on the news; I'd read about all these horrible things. But now that it has happened to me, it's like I am a different person. It has taken over me."

It is almost eight "whirlwind" months since Ms Dickson learnt her only child, Sarah Cafferkey, had been brutally murdered by career criminal and convicted killer Steven James Hunter. The bubbly 22-year-old had no idea the man who invited her to his Bacchus Marsh unit on November 10 had killed before.

Ms Dickson is serving her own life sentence; a nightmarish ordeal no one should have to endure, but one she is still trying to come to terms with.

Even life's everyday moments have changed; she now combs the supermarket aisles, aware of the sombre eyes that latch on to her before a stranger inevitably steps forward and cocoons her in a silent embrace.

"I do appreciate those moments; they are so beautiful to me," Ms Dickson says.

Ms Dickson's experience has propelled her into campaigning, starting with a landmark legal assault against the State Government over criminals who kill while out on parole.

"I've got this fire in my belly," Ms Dickson says.

"A lot of people tell me that I'm amazing and courageous for what I'm doing, but I know it's what I have to do for Sarah."

Ms Dickson has partnered with 15 other families who have lost a relative in the past 26 years to a parolee and are hoping to rewrite history for a safer Victoria.

"The Government has to be held accountable. We want a Serious Offenders Parole Board who will apply the strictest assessment to those high-risk repeat offenders who are eligible for parole," Ms Dickson said.

Family friend Jane Stone has marvelled at Ms Dickson's courage and has nominated her for a Courage Medal in this year's Pride of Australia campaign.