Concert for Brodie-Lee

By Bridget Cook
THE Narre Warren South P-12 College community banded together last month for a special concert – inspired by a young girl who touched the community’s heart.
The Year 11 Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) students organised the Brodie-Lee Douglas Memorial Benefit Concert, in memory of the three-year-old Hampton Park girl who died in 2007.
The concert marked the fourth year VCAL students had organised an event in Brodie-Lee’s honour, since she passed away a month before the 2007 Brodie-Lee Douglas Fashion Catwalk show.
Brodie-Lee was born with severe brain damage and uncontrollable epilepsy but fought her illnesses. However, she died within hours of developing serious health complications one morning.
Brodie-Lee had two sisters who attended the Narre Warren South school.
VCAL student Ashlee Leitch said she inspired the school and local community.
“Today we still celebrate the annual VCAL concert in her name as she inspired all of us to not take anything for granted and believe no matter who we are or where we come from we can do it,” she said.
“Her smile will always be in our hearts and she will never be forgotten.” The concert on Wednesday 26 May raised more than $2000 for the Starlight Foundation, thanks to a huge turnout and many local sponsors.
Ashlee said they chose the Starlight Foundation as it assisted a student last year.
She said late last year students from the school were involved in a tragic car accident and one of the students survived. She said the girl spent some time in the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Starlight Foundation supported her and her family during that time.
“When asked at assembly who we will be raising money for, she told us about her story and asked if we could raise money for The Starlight Foundation,” she said.
“We were inspired and couldn’t say no.”
Students and teachers took to the stage at the concert performing solo acts, singing, dancing and band performances.
Ashlee said through lots of hard work, the students pulled off an amazing night.
“We all worked together as a team,” she said. “Without each other we wouldn’t have pulled off such a great night.”