My name is Aggie Di Mauro, my daughter Celeste Manno was a vibrant 23-year-old, whose life was brutally taken by a man who had relentlessly stalked her, despite her efforts to protect herself legally. Her killer, after committing premeditated murder, was sentenced to only 36 years in prison. This decision has shaken my belief in our justice system—a system I am now determined to change. I cannot do this alone; I need your help.

Celeste was a beacon of love and joy who made everyone she met feel special. But her kindness became her vulnerability when a former co-worker, fixated and obsessed, took her life in the most horrific manner imaginable. It’s clear that our current laws do not sufficiently deter such heinous crimes, nor do they provide real justice to families like mine.  From January 2018 to May 2024, 113 murderers were sentenced in Victoria, for killing 124 people.  Only 11 of them received a Life Sentence.  That means only 9.7% of offenders got Life.

I am advocating for mandatory life sentences for murderers because it is the strongest way to denounce the crime.  Life for a Life.  I also believe that if Life sentences were mandatory, they would prevent these tragedies from recurring. I am calling on the Victorian Government to implement all 45 recommendations from the Stalking Report and reconsider the electronic monitoring device.  We need stronger laws against stalking and violence, especially towards women. Despite taking all available legal precautions, Celeste was not protected. She was let down by police incompetence and failed again by the courts. Celeste's case should've set a precedent for all stalking offenders who escalate to murder. Justice Jane Dixon could have, and should have, taken the opportunity to set this precedent, but chose not to. A different judge might have decided otherwise, which is why I am insisting on an appeal. One person's decision and the discretion they are allowed shouldn't stop an appellate court from reconsidering the case.

Please take a moment to consider: If someone dear to you faced Celeste’s fate, wouldn't you demand the fullest extent of justice? I am pleading with you to sign and share our petition. Help us ensure that Celeste's legacy is not just one of tragedy but one of change.