On the 30th anniversary of her brutal rape and murder, Anita Cobby's memory is being honoured and her shining light remembered.
It's what her parents Garry and Grace Lynch wanted, and their wish is being granted.
Land has been donated and plans already drawn up for a world-first residential trauma centre specifically for children affected by homicide, to be opened in Ms Cobby's honour.
Named Grace's Place, it will also honour the dedication of Mr and Mrs Lynch, who spent their lives after their daughter's death supporting families through the Homicide Victims Support Group which they co-founded.
Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali kicked off fundraising, announcing the council would donate land locally for the centre in the hope of turning tragedy to triumph in their community, and to remember "a beautiful soul who was taken from us far too soon".
The donation is expected to halve the $6 million needed for the world-first 12-bedroom residential respite and counselling trauma service, specifically designed for children affected by homicide.
More than 700 people attended the memorial fundraiser, including Ms Cobby's younger sister Kathryn Szyszka and a number of detectives who investigated her death.
"Today if anyone asks me to describe Anita I say she was a free spirit, her light shining bright ... she had a certain presence that she was not even aware of," Ms Szyszka said.
"What better way to mark this occasion than to dedicate the 30th year anniversary to such a wonderful cause."
Premier Mike Baird also attended and announced the state government would donate $50,000 to Grace's Place.
"It is something to turn tragedy into something so wonderful," he said.
It is hoped the centre will be fully operational by September 2018.
