Grace’s Place Patrons and Ambassadors

We are so thankful to our patrons and ambassadors

Kathryn Syzszka

Patron of Grace’s Place

Kathryn is the daughter of Garry and Grace Lynch, founding members of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group (HVSG), and sister of Anita Cobby, who was murdered in 1986 at the age of 26. Through her involvement with the HVSG, she has seen first-hand the need for a facility specifically for children and teenagers that provides counselling and therapy in a programmed environment.

Simon Bouda AM

Ambassador

Simon is an award-winning journalist and crime reporter with a long-standing relationship with the Homicide Victims’ Support Group (HVSG). He is the official Master of Ceremonies at the bi-annual Ebony and Ivory Ball and the Anita Cobby Charity dinner. Simon was also the Master of Ceremonies at the Grace’s Place SOD Turn in September 2019 and he has also been involved in many other events. He also founded and organises the highly successful Ride For Justice which raises funds and awareness for the HVSG each year.

Martha Jabour OAM

Executive Director HVSG

Martha has been the Executive Director of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group since 1993 having been employed by the Institute of Forensic Medicine to co-ordinate and set up the support group, to provide counselling, support and referrals for the family members of homicide.
After the death of her second son, Michael, to cot death Martha trained as a grief and trauma counsellor and worked, both in a voluntary and paid position, with the Sudden Infant Death Association of NSW. Building on her experience within the areas of grief, trauma, policy development, strategic planning and crisis management.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Raymond APM OAM (Retired)

Ambassador

Gary was one of the NSW Police detectives investigating Anita Cobby’s murder and developed a close association with her parents, Garry & Grace (Peg) Lynch. With several decades of experience, Gary now uses his expertise to give back to the community through his involvement with the Retired Police Association NSW, Police Post Trauma Support Groups NSW, The Salvation Army & Rotary and, of course, Grace’s Place.