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About the Project
In November of 2007, I lost my best friend to domestic violence. I personally witnessed the true enormity, of the grief suffered by her young son and parents. As well as dealing with my personal grief and the shock and trauma my own children suffered when Alana past away.
My entire family, although not directly connected, have been shocked to the core.
Through the months following Alana’s death, whilst grieving, my friend/mentor and I came upon and idea to plant tress as living memorials to those lives lost due to family violence. In a sense to bring life back to our earth where life has been lost.
This idea was to start a project within the community to bring awareness about domestic violence, with the goal being that by doing this; we could bring change and save lives.
We wanted to bring life back to our earth, where life had been lost. This idea is what has given birth to the campaign we named "Alana's Project".
The planting of trees is very symbolic of the project 
The planting of trees is very symbolic of the project because it truly does bring life back to our earth and I feel is a great representation of the lives of those we are remembering through Alana's Project.
I wish to raise awareness of domestic violence to the entire community in as many ways as possible.
Alana's Project
The project has three main goals:
1. The planting of trees as living memorials to represent the lost lives due to family and domestic/family violence.
2. To educate society about the facts and dynamics of domestic /family violence, therefore bringing awareness that is essential in order to achieve change.
3. Petitioning for the change of certain laws and police policy in the handling of domestic/family violence incidents and its legal process and policy.
I believe that society's knowledge and general beliefs about domestic/family violence need to change drastically. I would like to see men, women and families contribute to this change in attitudes regarding violence in relationships. We all need to say "NO" to violence. We must stop tolerating violence in our lives, in our family and community.
We all want for a better life within out community and by contributing your own individual efforts; together we can create a better future, not only for ourselves, but for our children and our children's children. This is the legacy I wish for Alana's Project to leave to our community.
Domestic violence leaves many ramifications on society. It is directly related to increased levels of crime rates in general, especially juvenile crime, drug - alcohol abuse etc and the painful and heart breaking separation of so many families and also the senseless loss of lives.
We have the power to change the future of so many people. Awareness and understanding opens the for to the possibility of a bright and new existence for us all.
You see, domestic violence/family does not discriminate; it affects every race, religion, gender, social and economic class. The next victim could be the loved one of any one of us here today.
This is why it is the responsibility of every one of us to educate ourselves and each other in order to make peace a reality and turn domestic violence into a problem of the past.
** Please visit the resources and information page.
I would like to give special thanks to the following people whose help has made possible the creation of Alana's Project:
Kristina Johns
Jocelyn Hanson
Vilma Palacios
Karen Walker
Peter May
Cr Elizabeth Re, Stirling Council Western Australia
Women on Wellness Western Australia
Women’s Council Western Australia, Marie Martin and staff members
Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia Senior Social worker
Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital Western Australia, Social Workers
** Especially, the continued support of Alana’s entire family
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