This year, we are honoured that Karen will share her personal reflections at our 25th Time for Remembering, a ceremony that brings together those affected by road trauma to pause, reflect and find comfort in community.

In 2009, Karen and Mark’s lives changed forever when their son, Ben, was tragically killed in a car crash. There are no words to describe the devastation that followed, the grief, the heartbreak, and the struggle to find meaning in life again.

When Karen first contacted our organisation in 2010, she wanted to become a lived experience volunteer speaker. At the time, we gently encouraged her to take another year to focus on healing. True to her caring and determined nature, she reached out again in 2011, ready to share her story and help others.

Since then, Karen has given so much of herself to Amber Community. She’s been a volunteer lived experience speaker, a regional coordinator, and a facilitator for our Road Trauma Awareness Seminar program. Mark has supported her every step of the way, driving her to sessions, events, and training, finding his own quiet strength in being part of something meaningful.

Karen’s goal has always been simple yet powerful: to help others understand the lifelong impact of road trauma and to encourage safer choices on our roads. Through her involvement, she’s helped countless people reflect, take responsibility, and change their behaviour. Her work has also been an essential part for her and Mark.

We invite you to join us in this special moment of remembrance, compassion, and hope at Time for Remembering.

Time for Remembering is an occasion to come together to commemorate loved ones lost and injured on our roads and pay tribute to all who work tirelessly to make our roads safer. 

“Time for Remembering gives the community a safe space to come together to honour loved ones and connect with others who have been impacted by road trauma.”

The ceremony will be held at Queen’s Hall, Parliament House in Melbourne and live streamed.