The NSW Police Force are showing their support for ‘Baby Lily Grace Awareness Day’ during a special ceremony at the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park tomorrow morning, NSW Police say.
On the morning of Sunday 30 November 2014, the body of an unknown child was discovered at Maroubra Beach.
Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Local Area Command launched an investigation into the incident and prepared a report for the information of the Coroner.
Following a Coronial Inquest, Acting Inspector William Green of Newtown Local Area Command and his wife Filomena D’Alessandro, made arrangements to have the child laid to rest.
They, in partnership with Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon, named her ‘Lily Grace', and she was laid to rest on Wednesday 29 April 2015, in the Garden of Innocence, at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Matraville.
A/Insp Green and his wife chose the name Lily as a symbol of innocence and beauty, and it was with the communities love and support that a memorial was built to grant children like Lily dignity and a final resting place.
At 5am tomorrow, on the anniversary of the service, A/Insp Green and his wife will be joined by dignitaries, members of the NSW Police Force and the wider community, to mark the inaugural ‘Baby Lily Grace Awareness Day.’
A ceremony will be held in the Garden of Innocence to remember Lily Grace and all Australian children who have passed away without known family heritage.
A/Insp Green encouraged the public to come along and take part in the ceremony tomorrow and raise awareness of the support available to the community.
“This was such a tragic incident so Filomena and I wanted to ensure Lily was given a proper farewell so she could be at peace,” A/Insp Green said.
“The community response was wonderful and I think it’s important we continue to mark this day each year so people know they are never alone and support is always available.
“I would be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible efforts of my wife Filomena; we have a family of our own and she decided that Lily deserved to be acknowledged and laid to rest with love and dignity, like every child does,” A/Insp Green said.
The community are warmly invited to join the ceremony tomorrow morning:
WHEN: 4.30am arrival for 5am ceremony tomorrow
WHERE: Garden of Innocence
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
12 Military Road
MATRAVILLE 2036
NB: The ceremony will begin in the South Chapel before walking to the garden.
‘HeavenAddress’, an online memorial website, have also established a special community page for the Baby Lily Grace Awareness Day. You can visit the site via: https://www.heavenaddress.com/Baby-Lily-Grace-Awareness-Day.
