On 24 July, Sarah was seriously injured after being stabbed by her partner during a horrific family violence incident in Exeter.

After leaving the home, Sarah’s partner was involved in a devastating collision that tragically killed Elaine Gee, a local mother of two boys, wife of Rodney and dedicated nurse.

The consequences of that day are almost impossible to comprehend. Two families have been changed forever, children have experienced unimaginable trauma, and the broader community has been left shocked and grieving.

As a family, we acknowledge the profound loss suffered by the Gee family, as well as Elaine’s friends and colleagues. Nothing can lessen their grief, and they remain firmly in our thoughts.

Sarah had been visiting Tasmania from Western Australia when the incident occurred. She remains in hospital and faces a long and difficult road to recovery.

Her two young girls have had their lives turned upside down and will be cared for by their aunt and uncle, Coby and Adam Gore, in Gravelly Beach for the foreseeable future.

The girls have previously lived in Tasmania with Coby and Adam, so they are returning to people they know, love and trust, and to a home where they have already experienced care, stability and belonging. Their nan also lives with the family, providing another familiar and loving source of support.

Coby is a much-loved teacher who has dedicated her working life to supporting children and families. Adam is a union organiser and Army Reservist who has spent years serving his community and standing up for working people.

Together, they are opening their home and taking on the enormous responsibility of helping the girls feel safe, supported and settled while also standing beside Sarah throughout her recovery.

This fundraiser has been created to provide practical support, stability and security for Sarah and her girls during an extraordinarily traumatic and uncertain time.

All funds raised will be managed by Coby and Adam and used to support the girls’ immediate and ongoing needs, including clothing, food, schooling, transport, counselling and establishing a safe and stable home. Funds will also be used to assist Sarah with medical, rehabilitation and living expenses as she recovers and begins rebuilding her life.

The road ahead will be long. Coby and Adam will be balancing the emotional and practical needs of two children while supporting Sarah through her recovery. Any assistance will help ease the financial pressure on the family and allow them to focus on healing, safety and giving the girls the care they need.

This has been a horrific tragedy for everyone involved. Thank you for showing compassion and supporting Sarah and her girls as they begin the long process of healing and rebuilding.

Family violence has devastating and far-reaching consequences for victim-survivors, children, families and entire communities. No one should have to experience violence in their home or from someone they love, and every person deserves to feel safe, supported and believed. I hope our whole community can rally behind Sarah and her family to help them recover from this horrific event.

This fundraiser is in my personal capacity as a friend of Coby and Adam Gore, not endorsed by Parliament of Tasmania