Thursday, 11 September 2025

Lutfiye Kavci and Vicki Scott

Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (10:22): I wish to acknowledge and congratulate two outstanding women in my community, Lutfiye Kavci and Vicki Scott, who were recently inducted into the 2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Lutfiye is a family violence survivor who survived a horrific attempted murder by her ex-husband in 2021, suffering multiple stab wounds that required surgery and extensive treatment. At the trial she gave a moving victim impact statement, declaring ‘I’m still here’. Those words have become a rallying message of resilience and survival. Lutfiye realised her strength was inspiring to others. In 2024 she dedicated herself to advocacy for family violence victim-survivors.

I also wish to acknowledge Vicki Scott, who is a personal friend and respected and much-loved community member and an inspiring leader. Vicki refused to sit idle while having treatment for stage 4 bowel cancer in 2022 and turned her attention to helping others. Vicki became the inaugural Goulburn Valley Health Foundation ambassador in 2023. She plays a key role in promoting the foundation’s work and fundraising efforts. She also became a GenesisCare consumer advocate for people with cancer. Vicki is involved with many community-based organisations and has contributed significantly to the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, who works with the whole community to improve outcomes for young people. Both of these women are making such a positive difference to others and are incredibly worthy recipients.