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In 1999, at the invitation of the Road Trauma Support Team (forerunner of today’s Road Trauma Support Services Victoria (RTSSV), Rev. Andy Calder offered a ritual for people affected by road trauma. Based on personal experience, its aim was to support people in their recovery. It was decided to then offer a public event for the community of Victoria, in which people bereaved and seriously injured, would be joined by representatives of other groups and organisations affected by, and involved in road safety and support issues.

The initial planning group included Jeanette Suhr OAM, Jim Pilmer who was the Victoria Police chaplain, and three chaplains working at Epworth Hospital: David Leach, Gail Pritchard and Andy Calder.

The inaugural ceremony was held in 2001, and incorporated speeches from politicians and representatives of road safety organisations in the Melbourne City Square. Before processing to St. Paul’s Cathedral for the ceremony, prior arrangements had been made to temporarily close the intersection of Swanston and Collins St, and all those assembled symbolically ‘reclaimed the road’ as a safe place.

The ceremony has become an annual event for RTSSV, and is held on the third Sunday of November, which the United Nations has proclaimed as World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims. For the past ten years it has been held at Queen’s Hall, Parliament House, Melbourne. Reflecting the diversity of Victoria, it is supported by the Victorian Council of Churches, the Faith Communities Council of Victoria and the Humanist Society of Victoria, along with a range of government and community organisations concerned about road safety issues.

The event aims to provide a supportive and contemplative space with music and song in which people share their personal stories; poems and prayers are also offered, and individual candles are lit to remember loved ones.

Given many people cannot attend such an event in central Melbourne, and that 50% of fatalities and injuries occur in rural and regional Victoria, RTSSV invites faith communities within Melbourne and across Victoria to use some or all of the followingpetitions in events or services of worship on or about November 18, 2018. Local people are encouraged to read the petitions. These petitions have been a cornerstone of the Melbourne event since 2001.

For Road Trauma Support Services Victoria contact:

Suite 2/109 Whitehorse Road Blackburn VIC 3130

T 1300 367 797

www.rtssv.org.au

The Bereaved

I come representing those who have been bereaved through road crashes – thefamily members and friends who now have only the memory of those they love.
(Brief silence)

We remember with sorrow the many who have died as a result of road crashes.We give thanks for their lives and all that they have meant to ourselves andothers. We pray for those who grieve their loss, that they may be comforted.We remember them.

Those Injured and their Carers

I come representing those who suffer the continuing effects of road trauma in body,mind and spirit. For them and those who care for them, the pain continues.
(Brief silence)

We remember with concern those who carry injury and disability followingroad trauma. We pray for them, and their families and friends who suffer withthem and give support and love. May they be strengthened in hope and perseverance. We remember them.

The Witnesses

I come representing people who have witnessed road trauma and who are troubled by recurring memories.
(Brief silence)

We remember with compassion those affected by road trauma, includingdrivers, who are weighed down by the sadness of what they have seen, heardand experienced. We pray for the healing of their memories. We remember them.

Emergency Services

We come representing the Emergency Services of Victoria – Ambulance, Fire Services, Police, State Emergency Service. Our members see the horror of road trauma, and do all they can to save the injured.
(Brief silence)

We remember with gratitude Victorian members of the Ambulance Services,Metropolitan and Country Fire Services, State Emergency Service and Policewho bring compassion and care to those involved in road crashes. We pray forthem as they give unstintingly of their skills and themselves to help others.We remember them.

Health and Healing Services

I come representing those who care for the injured in hospitals and rehabilitationCentres. We see their suffering and use our knowledge and skills to help them returnto a full and satisfying life.
(Brief silence)

We remember with thankfulness the skill and dedication of doctors, nurses,hospital staff, community counselors and grief and loss services who treatand rehabilitate those injured in body, mind and spirit. We pray for them asthey use their knowledge and skills to restore broken lives and instill hope forthe future. We remember them.

The Law

I come representing those involved in the making and administration of our laws.Through the law we seek to promote responsible behaviour in all who use our roads,and we strive for assistance for those affected by road trauma.
(Brief silence)

We remember and respect those whose responsibility it is to make andadminister laws for the sake of us all. We pray for them, that they may havewisdom in making decisions that help shape a just, caring and responsiblecommunity. We remember them.

Our Community

I come representing the community of which we are all part. Our community is onlyas strong as the commitment we each give to its wellbeing. We acknowledge theresponsibility we share for keeping our roads safe.
(Brief silence)

We remember ourselves, the women and men, young people and children, whomake up the diverse community of our state and nation. We pray that as weuse the roads we may exercise patience, tolerance, self-control and generosityof spirit for the safety of our community. We remember them.