Remembering Shandee Blackburn

Speech presented by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP to the Queensland Legislative Assembly on February 21, 2023.

On 9 February it was 10 years since 23-year-old Shandee Blackburn walked from her place of work and was tragically murdered.

To Vicki, her mother, Shannah, her sister, and all of her family and friends and supporters, we acknowledge your diligence, your tenacity, your courage and your ongoing commitment to justice.

I had the absolute privilege to spend time with them recently at the 10-year commemoration where we acknowledged the hard work and effort by people like Dr Kirsty Wright, who brought to light the failings of Queensland's forensics lab; and Hedley Thomas, Walkley Award winning journalist who, through his podcast Shandee's Story, not only told Shandee's story but also that of many victims of crime across this state; the community Justice for Shandee, who came together at Harrup Park along with the many community leaders who spoke including the Leader of the Opposition, David Crisafulli, myself and Mackay Regional Mayor Greg Williamson.

On sunset we all released bubbles into the air as Somewhere Over the Rainbow played.

Shandee's death has not been in vain for that justice that we are yet to see for her will certainly be seen for many victims of crime across our state.

Member for Mackay Amanda Camm MP (right) with Vicki Blackburn, mother of murder victim Shandee Blackburn.

At the 10-year memorial ceremony at Harrup Park Country Club.