Thursday, 23 March 2023

 Jordan CRUGNALE (Bass) (09:56): Her name was Samantha Fraser. She was a gentle, beautiful soul with a vibrant personality. Her generosity of spirit was a marvel. Nurturing, talented, and passionate about everything she did, she oozed kindness. Sam touched the lives of many, including through her work as a psychologist and student support service worker at the local primary school. She loved and cherished her three children, Jemima, Rex and April. They were her world.

Samantha Fraser is no longer here – killed by the hands of her estranged husband. It was premeditated, vicious and brutal. It was 2018, her children nine, seven and five. In February this year he was sentenced to 30 years, at the highest end for murder. It has been a long journey. Our Phillip Island community came together, collectively grieved and got active. In 2018 a memorial service saw hundreds gather, businesses closed out of respect, thousands of white ribbons sewn and lining the streets – and again more recently – and thousands raised for the family. Friends formed Change for Sam, an initiative to bring services together. Her friends’ words resonate, ‘Say her name: Samantha Fraser’. Her memory will never be silenced, her kindness and want to make the world a better place never forgotten. To her parents and children: the island community walk beside you, love you and are there to add to your treasured memories. As April said, ‘Mum will always be the angel that lights up our sky.’