31/01/2026
Over the past nearly 15 *very unpredictable and particularly challenging* years, there has been a constant in my life that has genuinely and fundamentally kept me, and this organisation, going.
This week, our Chair, my mentor and dearest friend, the indefatigable Angela Scaffidi, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her ‘significant service to the community through philanthropic initiatives’, and we couldn’t be prouder.
When Dan disappeared, our world flipped upside down. We had no idea what to do or who could help. So my friend Sal asked her boss if she could help, and days later, I walked into Ange’s boardroom crying, depleted, defeated. We instantly bonded and she said, ‘I will do whatever I can for as long as it takes,’ and she meant it.
No one knew that 18 months later I’d start a charity (for which she said we’d need an office, as she offered her beautiful CBD space, ongoing).
Naturally, she was appointed Chair (Dad: Treasurer, Mum: Secretary/cake bringer) and she has provided immeasurable guidance and support in a myriad of forms ever since.
She’s answered panicked 5am calls in an Uber to the TV studio to allay my nerves, she’s introduced me to some phenomenal people (some of whom are our few major donors that – along with our invaluable tribe of monthly donors – keep the charity afloat), she’s cried with me, my family and with our Missed families, she’s given me clarity and calm when I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the workload, she’s helped coordinate 6am fun-run fundraiser team gatherings, she’s given us several members of her staff for a seemingly growing number of hours per week, she’s presented our work on esteemed national and global stages, she’s delivered more Unmissable coffee cups to more Melbourne cafes than could be counted, and she’s always invited and included us – the pro bono client – as if we were the firm’s most important.
What I respect most about Ange is her unmatched dependability.
She was there in ways I still can’t put into words on the worst, most traumatic day of my life. I reflect on that a lot – how she doesn’t shy away from discomfort.
And even though her calendar is the stuff of nightmares, she still finds time to follow developments with our families’ cases and offer help. Her compassion and capacity for this community is beyond measure.
I will never be able to express the depth of my admiration and gratitude to this woman. She is extraordinary, and her boundless generosity and endless encouragement are the biggest part of the reason this organisation still exists.
Ange, on behalf of everyone who’s directly and indirectly received your kindness, thank you and congratulations for this well-deserved recognition. I know all the attention is making you cringe, and I’m sorry, but it had to be done. And while we’re at it -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Monday!!
