Principal's Report

Good morning everyone,

Some of you may not be aware that a student of our college Celeste Manno was murdered in her sleep towards the end of last year by a male that was talking her. The police failed to act when the repeated acts of harassment were reported and the threat identified by the family. Celeste’s mother Aggie was a member of the Lalor Secondary College School Council and her brother Alex graduated in 2019

As a result of this case the Victorian Law Reform Commission has opened a review into stalking, harassment and similar conduct. Please read the information below and if you have even a paragraph to contribute to the process it would assist in the process started by a family of our school community.

"The Victorian Law Reform Commission’s (VLRC’s) review into Victoria’s response to stalking, harassment, and similar conduct is now open for public submissions. You may now make a written submission expressing your views on the matter before 12 August 2021 (link provided).

Please consider making a submission regardless of whether you are a victim of stalking or a crime. The submissions are open to EVERYONE.

This is a huge step in our gruelling fight to obtain some form of justice for Celeste Manno and those who fell victim before her to such heinous crimes, to help ensure that other families and friends of victims do not have to suffer such horrific and tragic outcomes.

This broken system is ill-equipped to keep our loved ones safe. A legislative overhaul is a necessity, and the VLRC's review is an imperative step in that process.

The Consultation Paper is very comprehensive but please do not feel overwhelmed by it. You do not have to be a victim of stalking or any other crime in order to make a submission. There is a list of 30 questions on pages 12 and 13, however, you do not have to answer all or any of the questions, should you make a submission.

Please do not stay silent. Staying silent only indicates you’re okay with the way things are. This is your opportunity to let the government know what new laws you want them to consider!

Celeste no longer has a voice, she can no longer advocate for what she believes is right. We now need to be her voice and ensure that her legacy lives on. I​t is extremely important to make submissions so the publics' views, opinions, and experiences are taken into consideration when the VLRC determines its recommendations for the laws to be changed. Once again, you do not have to be a victim of a crime or stalking to make a submission and you do not have to address any or all of the questions listed.

We propose that the suite of legislative changes that may arise from these horrendous circumstances and subsequent review will be known as 'Celeste's Law’. Please let’s all continue to be a voice for Celeste and advocate for change, advocate for Celeste’s Law to protect future victims, and fight for justice for Celeste.

Have your say and please ensure to enter your written submissions before 12 August 2021.

https://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/project/stalking/ "

I hope that some of us are able to find the time and make submissions for this important work.

Sincerely,

Corey Jewell

College Principal