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GEORGE NEWS, GALLERY AND VIDEO - A dream to bring warmth, dignity and hope to victims of trauma has become a reality at the George Police Station.
The station's trauma room, the first place victims of abuse are brought, has undergone a full transformation, thanks to the efforts of Lizelle Rheeder and the team from Lizelle Rheeder Physiotherapy, Estelle Stander and overwhelming community support.
The big reveal took place at the George Police Station on Wednesday 10 December.
The initiative began as a plan to provide essential supplies for the trauma room, but quickly evolved into a full-scale makeover. Donations of time, skills, equipment and funds poured in from businesses, families and individuals across George. The storeroom was reorganised and stocked, shelves were built, the room and bathroom were repainted, and new work and play areas were created, resulting in a space that is now safe, welcoming and comforting for victims.
The George Police Station's trauma room received a face lift. The wall painting was completed by Semona Diener of Semona Diener Art, who says she was inspired through prayer. Photo: Eon Coetzee - Skemerlens/EonMedia
"Every brush stroke, every donation, every hour of labour brought hope back into this building," said Rheeder. "This room now tells every person who enters: you matter, you are safe, you are not alone."
The wall painting was completed by Semona Diener of Semona Diener Art, who says she was inspired through prayer.
The storeroom has been thoughtfully stocked with essential supplies for victims of trauma. Photo: Eon Coetzee - Skemerlens/EonMedia
The transformation coincided with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. Sergeant Rachelle Hendriks of Social Crime praised the new space as a safe environment for victims to tell their stories. Ronel Opperman, a victim sup-port volunteer, emphasised that the way in which victims are treated when they first arrive is critical to their willingness to report crimes and avoid secondary trauma.
Great anticipation as Colonel Lionel Kennedy cuts the ribbon to reveal the newly revamped trauma room. Photo: Eon Coetzee - Skemerlens/EonMedia
Heidi Naudé, owner of Earthberry Holistic Health and an active member of the George CPF and AfriForum, provided further insight into the trauma support her team of 13 volunteers provides. Covering Uniondale, Glentana, George and Knysna, the team primarily supports victims of serious crimes such as murder, rape and violent assault.
The trauma room makeover was part of Project Christmas 2025, which included a fundraising raffle. The lucky winner, Garth Murray of Unicafab, received a professional marketing video valued at R12 500 from EonMedia.
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