Lauren Dickason father

A photo of the Dickason family, before tragedy struck – Photo: Facebook

Dickason murders: Dad Graham ‘plans to make public appearance’ at vigil

A week after his idyllic family life was shattered beyond repair, Graham Dickason is planning to make a brave appearance at a vigil for his daughters.

Lauren Dickason father

A photo of the Dickason family, before tragedy struck – Photo: Facebook

The SA father of three young girls who were allegedly killed by their mother could make his first public appearance, just days his family was ripped apart by an unfathomable tragedy. Graham Dickason discovered his slain children after returning home last Thursday evening – and mom Lauren has been remanded in a Timaru psychiatric facility.

Timaru vigil for SA family – latest news and updates

The ceremony to pay tribute to the girls – with the eldest aged six and twins aged two – is taking place in New Zealand. This community in South Canterbury has been shattered by the events of the past week, but they’re coming out in force to support the South African dad, who had only just emigrated to NZ with his family earlier in September.

  • A candlelight vigil for the family got underway on Thursday evening in New Zealand.
  • Ahead of the ceremony, friends and family of the Dickasons sent songs and tributes.
  • A contemporary hymn requested by Graham Dickason, Raise A Hallelujah, will be played.
  • Three representatives from the grieving family would be at the vigil with messages from back home.
  • Hundreds are expected to attend the gathering in Timaru.
  • Flowers will also be floated out to sea in a separate tribute held on Saturday.

Graham Dickason ‘set to make public appearance’

Jacqueline Harris, the woman who organised the vigil, spoke to the media earlier today. She explained that the service was ‘meant to be a personal one for Graham Dickason’, who has had a significant input on how the ceremony will play out. According to Harris, the grief-stricken surgeon is planning to attend the event at some point this evening.

“The focus is on keeping the event quite personal for Graham. We’re just going to have the people he’s asked to speak for him, the songs he’s requested, the songs we had planned, a poem read by a Hampers of Hope volunteer, and a service led by local Timaru Reverend Alan Cummins.”

“Two people will give readings on Graham’s behalf, because he’s writing up something he would like read out. Graham Dickason has also indicated to us that he hopes to attend the vigil on Thursday.”