We are delighted to announce a new monthly “self-care” event. A chance for light exercise within a peer support environment.

Special morning tea in memory of Margaret at TCFV centre on 15.6.22, 10am-12pm. Please click here https://www.compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au/event/special-morning-tea/ to RSVP  by 10.6.22

Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that I pass on the news that our co-founder, Margaret Harmer, passed away on 15th February 2022.

Margaret and her husband, Lindsay, founded TCF in Australia in 1978. Margaret was also appointed as co-patron of TCFV in August 2021. Their legacy has been felt by all who have sought support through TCF and for those who will continue to into the future.

We send our condolences to her family and friends. She will be sadly missed.

Details of her funeral will be confirmed but the tentative date is Thursday 24th February at 2pm.

Yours sincerely,

Lisa Gelbart,
Acting President TCFV

The live stream of Margaret’s funeral can be found here.

The founder of The Compassionate Friends, Rev. Canon Simon Stephens, with Margaret Harmer and Lindsay Harmer (d. 2019).

Margaret, with Lindsay.

TCF Victoria’s formative years: Margaret and Lindsay in 1982.

Related: What can we learn from everyday successful Australian entrepreneurs? Interview with Margaret Harmer OAM

We are delighted to announce the first ever TCFV Open Day coming up on Saturday 5^th February from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

This represents a fantastic opportunity to share with our members, supporters, partners and the general community all the vital work of TCFV and the support services available.

Whether you are a new or long-time member but have never visited the Centre, or you work for another organisation and want to better understand what TCFV offers so you can refer people to specialist support,  or you are a family member/friend of someone who has lost a child, sibling or grandchild and would like to know more about how you can support them…… this Open Day is for you, and a great chance to learn more about what TCFV does and what it offers.

Some of the planned displays and short demonstrations (10-15 mins) in which you can participate on the Open Day include:

11.30am –                    Water Colours with Chris Herman

12.00pm –                    The TCFV Library of resources

12.30pm –                    “Yours, Mine, Ours” with Author Judy Dowling

1.00pm –                      The benefits of Art Therapy

1.30pm –                      The use of Meditation to cope with grief

3.00pm –                      Sibling Chat Services with Paul Sessarago

3.30pm –                      Walk to Canterbury Gardens to TCFV memorial seat.

You will also have the unique opportunity to meet our Board members, have afternoon tea with our Co-Founder and receive one-on-one peer support,

11.00 to 4.00pm: Informal chat with any of our staff about our services and opportunities at TCFV in relation to our Support Groups, Community Education, Volunteering, Phone Support and Fundraising

11.00 to 4.00pm: Bring a photograph of your child/sibling to have scanned for inclusion on our website “In Loving Memory”

12.00 to 2.00pm:  Meet members of the TCFV Board for a chat

2.00 to 3.00pm: Enjoy afternoon Tea with the TCFV Co-Founder Margaret Harmer

2.00 to 4.00pm: One-on-one Peer Support session, 30mins with Lyn Strickland – to book a time for yourself, please phone 9888 4034

We look forward to seeing you on the day.

If you are unable to attend on the day, please call us on 9888 4034 to arrange a personal visit with one of our Centre staff at a time that suits you.

Please note that in accordance with State regulations, we will be adhering to all COVID Safe Guidelines during this event.

Take care

TCFV Board & Staff

RSVP: 3rd Feb. Please register HERE. Any queries, please contact Jenny Galati: 0421 212 594

We hope that you can join us
…from the Board & Staff of TCFV

Update 12 January 2022: Please note that changing restriction levels, plus staff/volunteer availability, can impact the availability of TCFV Centre for weekday “drop-in” visits. If you are planning to visit TCFV Centre, we ask that you please call us on 1300 064 068. We will assist you in arranging a time. As per Department of Health requirements, you also need to be fully vaccinated.

Accolades to Stevyn Walder  – who ran a great time of 3:48:11 at The Melbourne Marathon 2021 – to raise funds for TCFV in memory of Rhys Gillard (17).

You can still support Stevyn. Click here to Support before the campaign ends on 24 December, 2021.

On behalf of TCFV and the Gillard family, a huge thank you Stevyn!