Tegan Blunt

This page contains any news that may be of interest to Tegan's Place visitors. If anyone else has any news or announcements they consider relevant and would like to share then please submit using the 'contact' link above.

In remembrance of Tegan and Chelsea's lovable pooches who both past away this year, RIP Leah and Cody.

They say time flies when you're having fun but for me this is not the case. It's been four years since that heartbreaking Wagga day and yet in many ways it seems like only yesterday that my world was turned upside down. Memories from around that Queen’s birthday long weekend are still fresh, vivid, reoccurring, strong and in no way can be described as fun.

The 8th June in particular is a time when our thoughts automatically turn to Tegan. From my family's point of view, Teegs was very loving, talented and no matter the circumstance always had a happy smile on her face. Needless to say we were very proud of her and love and miss her dearly and daily.

Judging by the website guest book messages and the occasional email message I receive, Teegs touched the lives of many with her antics, sense of humour and friendly caring nature. I encourage everyone to continue adding their memories and comments in this way. They are all read, welcome and can only help those of us still yearning for and missing Teegs immensely.

What is also comforting and a terrific tribute is either seeing photos of or being aware that Teegs memorial wristbands are being worn by so many people locally, interstate and by those who travel and live around the world.

On a final note, I still intend adding more content including photos to Tegan's Place. I just have to be in the right frame of mind to do so but in the meantime if anyone has anything they would like added to the website or perhaps have ideas to improve it, please let me know.

In January we visited New Zealand arriving in Christchurch the day after one of their earthquakes and departing only a week before their big 6.8 magnitude quake. It was certainly surreal witnessing the initial damage and then watching the tragedy and devastation unfold back in Oz. We felt a big sense of sorrow for all the friendly people we met and particularly the staff at the Christchurch Quest where we had been staying. On our trip we visited both islands which was very enjoyable with the highlight for me definitely was exploring the spectacular and breathtakingly scenic Mount Cook region. Even though we were so far from home, Teegs was always on our mind and I'm sure she would have equally enjoyed the whole experience with no doubt her favourite place would have been Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

In June I volunteered to be retrenched from my job to spend time improving my wellbeing and doing those jobs around the house that never seem to get done. It is a strange feeling being at home but in retrospect I believe it was the right decision.

Also in the middle of the year we hosted another French exchange student Gersende. We enjoyed her company and we enjoyed showing her around the region.

In October Chelsea competed in the ACT Schools Road Cycling Champs in honour of Teegs performing creditably coming 5th in the Criterium and 9th in the Road race out of 13 competitors in the U15 age group.

Apart from these highlights, 2011 has been another emotionally tough year without Teegs and no more so than in June as well as this time of the year with Christmas upon us and with what would have been Teegs 20th birthday on New Year's eve.

What is surprising to me and adds to this emotion is that reminders of Teegs keep appearing when you least expect it. An example of this was back in July at of all places, Chelsea's dental appointment. As the dentist started to examine Chelsea's teeth, out of the blue "I'm in Heaven" started playing through the ceiling speakers so both of us looked at each other wondering if this was yet another sign that Teegs was with us.

I hope everyone has a terrific Christmas and a safe new year and for anyone who is planning on visiting Teegs at Norwood, I hope you enjoy the look of her Christmassy memorial garden.

PS. Just a thought but for those who host their own website, why not add a link to Tegan's Place. It would be nice to keep Teegs memory well and truly alive and this is one way of achieving it.

In the first posting of this News page (and the one just above) I mentioned coincidences or signs involving Tegan. These events perhaps can be put down to merely Apophenia (the technical term for coincidences), but then again perhaps each one could be what's known as Synchronicity (meaningful signs).

One such sign came at a time when I was at home alone and feeling down. A half inflated helium balloon that was at the other end of the house travelled to where I was sitting, brushed up against me and remained. I found this rather odd, as there were no windows open that could have caused the balloon to move and even travel around a corner!

Being told I had something stuck to the back of my shirt only to discover it was one of Tegan's name and address stickers which she used to put on things in primary school;

Being unable to delete from my camera a sport photo I have of Teegs. After I fill up a memory card of photos, I download them onto my computer and then empty the card but this one Teegs photo for whatever reason remained;

Tegan's Uncle Steve when going into hospital to have a major back operation was looked after by a nurse called Tegan;

Tegan's friend and dental nurse Terez discovering she has a patient on her books also by the name of Tegan Blunt!

8/6/11
Anniversary
Another anniversary has arrived and for me personally it's not getting any easier with painful memories and reminders from June 2008 still very strong and at times overwhelming. The ebbs and flows of grief are ongoing as Teegs presence continues to be keenly missed. Even though our lives have changed forever, I'm hoping that with time the ebbs will gradually consume the flows, the emotional wounds will scar over and we can adjust and come to terms with our tragic and significant loss.

Website
It has been a while since I have added content to Tegan's Place. Some times it just becomes too emotionally difficult to sift through memories but as I am likely to have more time on my hands in the coming weeks and months, it is certainly my intention to do so. Again, if anyone has any website ideas or would like to contribute with a photo, video, anecdote, poem, story or something else involving Teegs then please get in contact and let me know.

Wristbands
I still have a few of Teegs memorial silicone wristbands available in two sizes so if anyone would like one to honour her memory, just shoot me an email or give me a call. I'd rather see them being worn than collecting dust with me. Any money raised through the sale of these wristbands goes directly to the Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift, which in turn benefits students in pursuit of their dreams.

23/12/10

It has been a while since I've updated Tegan's Place and the reason for this is that it is not easy to do without getting a tad upset. Sifting through photos, videos and thinking of stories is certainly time consuming and emotionally draining. Having said that I do intend to add more content during 2011 so please keep visiting, adding comments to Teeg's guest book, giving me suggestions for the website, sending me photos and sending me emails even if it's just to say hello. By doing so brings a little bit of comfort knowing that I'm not the only one who is thinking of and who is missing our Teegs.

With Christmas just about here and then Tegan's birthday, memories of Teegs no doubt will come flooding back to each and every one of us. Most will be happy memories as we remember the fun times and the laughs we had with her, whether it was at school, at a sporting venue, a party or just chilling. Teegs had this great gift in making those around her feel comfortable and welcome.

2010 for me has been a tough one dominated by ongoing Teegs legal issues but thankfully they are now drawing to a close. The highlight of the year particularly for Chelsea was having a French exchange student stay with us. We all enjoyed Benjie's company and showing her around with the only down side having to say goodbye at the airport when it was time for her to go.

Unfortunately we will not be in Canberra this year for Teegs birthday, a decision that was not made lightly. Instead we will be driving around New Zealand but one thing is for sure, Teegs will be on our minds every kilometre of the way particularly as we approach Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world and a place Teegs was keen to visit.

For those driving during the holiday season please drive safely and for those who will be going out to Norwood, I hope you find it a peaceful and pretty place to visit. There will be a Birthday page for Teegs on this site for her special day.

8/6/10

The day I (and others) have been dreading has arrived but what has given me a source of strength and comfort is the messages and assistance I've received from some thoughtful and beautiful people leading up to this day - thank you. Knowing others care is what I believe will help us all through this difficult period and hopefully will set the foundations for better days ahead. ..... Chris

For me the second year of not having Teegs around is proving harder than the first.

In the first year, there was a sense of disbelief that Teegs will not be coming back. It was like she was still on holiday but would surely walk through the door like she had always done. Her presence, smiling face and personality was still fresh on my mind and even though I was aware of what happened, it seemed so surreal and incomprehensible. I was kept busy with all sorts of unpleasant tasks that just had to be done but luckily I received support from all sorts of wonderful people. The year of firsts, first birthday, first fathers day, first anniversary, first Christmas etc was extremely difficult to endure but the fond memories of what we did at the same time the previous year some how helped me get through it.

This second year however, the support has decreased and there is more time to reflect on what happened. The disbelief and shock is now replaced with heartache and pain with the reality setting in that Teegs will not be returning. Sleeping is more disruptive, concentration impaired and Teegs reminders that easily trigger a negative emotion are ever present. Each birthday and holiday is more painful than the first as fresh memories of Teegs can no longer be drawn from the previous year’s event.

I’m sure a lot of you, like me are now dreading next month, the month of June and in particular Tuesday the 8th of June.

I’m finding too that I’m dreading not just the 8th but also certain other dates like the 13th which is the Sunday of the Queen’s birthday long weekend. This date to me will be like enduring a second anniversary within a week :’(

I can only hope that the third year will be an improvement on the first two but somehow I think this is wishful thinking.

Website Updates

Some people have asked me if I am planning on adding any new pages or information to Teegs website. The short answer is “yes” but it’s not easy coming up with ideas or even just to load new photos or to add new information. I really have to be in the ‘right’ frame of mind to do so.

To help me out, if anyone has any ideas or content (anecdotes, photos, stories) they would like included on Tegan’s Place then please forward it to me.

Having said that, one new page idea I have come up with in the early hours of the morning (as you do when you are not sleeping!) is a Dear…. page but I would like some help in putting more stuff on it. To get the ball rolling I have posted the first letter.

This page can be funny, serious, positive, negative, inspirational etc and is a way to vent your emotions and how you’re feeling via a letter. You could write like I have done to 'Time' or it can be to anyone or any thing like: 'Teegs', 'Grief', 'Hope', 'God', 'Depression', 'Chelsea', 'Frustration', 'Love', 'Loneliness', 'Tears','Happiness', 'Anger', 'Future' and so on.

Please get your thinking caps on and contribute via the website Contact page. You can be anonymous if you wish. Contributions will not only perpetuate Teegs memory but might also be therapeutic for all concerned.

During 2009, grants from Teegs Gift totalling $4,800 were awarded to 6 talented and deserving students. These grants enabled each student to travel and compete either nationally or internationally in pursuit of their sporting dreams.

Teegs supported many charities herself so knowing that a fund in her name was established to support students in their chosen endeavour is not only a touching and fitting tribute for Teegs but is comforting in knowing that the fund is making a difference to the lives of others.

The balance of the fund currently stands at around $23,000 thanks mainly to the ongoing fundraising efforts from the Mackillop College Community.

If anyone would like to donate to or fundraise for Tegan's Memorial Gift, please contact the Principal of St Mary Mackillop College Mr Michael Lee or alternatively contact Chris via Teegs website email address (tegansplace@homemail.com.au).

22/01/10

It’s been a hectic and tumultuous few weeks with Christmas, Teegs 18th Memorial birthday and our usual drive to Queensland.

Christmas was a busy affair with everyone around for lunch and again for dinner. Tegan was on everyones mind and the day just didn’t seem right without her. Tegan generally didn’t like getting up early but Christmas was always an exception. She would be the first to get up and would then wake Chelsea and both would rush to see what presents Santa had brought. The day was always one full of excitement, fun and smiles.

Teegs 18th birthday was commemorated with the release of 18 doves at Norwood Park where around 30 people attended to witness the occasion. The AFP Chaplain Gayl Mills said a prayer and Helen from Doves Away read a couple of verses she had prepared for the day. Steve from Everclear Productions had his video camera on hand and kindly videoed some of the proceedings.

Straight after the doves were released and as if on cue, the heavens opened and it rained. Everyone (well except for Kate, Caity and Andie) ran for cover where drinks and a birthday cake that Jenna and Chelsea had made was consumed.

As for the doves, some returned to their home in Queanbeyan that evening with the remainder returning the following morning after taking shelter from the storm.

The following day we drove to Brisbane for a short break where Chelsea caught up and spent time with her Cousins. The highlights this year were a trip to the High Ropes and Flying Fox Adventure Park at Mount Tamborine and a trip to the Crystal Castle near Byron Bay. I’m sure Teegs would have loved the trip and no doubt would have returned as usual looking somewhat Aboriginal in appearance!

29/12/09

Tegan’s 18th Birthday – 31/12/09

‘Teegs would have had the best birthday party ever so we can’t just ignore the day’ – Chelsea

This Thursday (New Years Eve) at 3:30pm, please feel free to join Chris and Chelsea at Teegs Norwood Park memorial (behind the Park office at 65 Sandford St, Mitchell) to commemorate what would have been a significant event in Teegs life, her 18th birthday. To make the occasion memorable, Rev. Gayl Mills (the AFP Chaplain) will say a few words and then there will be a special flight release of 18 beautiful Doves. This release will symbolise eternal love for Teegs, everlasting peace and hope for the future. We hope you can join us, everyone welcome. Some soft drinks will be available on site or you're welcome to bring your own.
Stop press: Steve Rowland, a video photographer and owner of everclear video productions (see www.everclearproductions.com.au) has very kindly agreed to video the occasion for us – Thanks Steve.

5/12/09
From Chris.....
To all 2009 year 12 Mackillop students who have recently graduated, congratulations! and I hope your formal was memorable and all you wished it to be. No doubt those who knew Tegan, the night would have been one of mixed emotions knowing she wasn't there to enjoy and share the moment but hopefully her presence would still have been felt on the night.
For me, attending the Mackillop graduating mass on the morning of the formal was a melancholic experience but one I did not want to miss. I considered attending the formal ceremony but felt it would have been just too heartbreaking and harrowing but having said that I would be keen to hear via the guestbook or email and anonymous if you wish, any Tegan related stories which might have been told on the night.

28/09/09
Funds raised from the recent Mackillop Day have been added to the Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift. The day raised an incredible $4500 and again highlights the generosity of the Mackillop community.

2/8/09
Suggestions wanted
If anyone has any suggestions for new content you would like to see on this website whether it's more photos, videos, games etc or a totally new page then can you send an email of your ideas to Chris. This website is for everyone so all ideas and contributions are welcome.

Statistics
For those interested in website statistics, in the first 12 months of this website going live, around 6,000 people from 25 different countries viewed over 32,000 pages on Tegan's Place with each spending on average around 6 minutes. The least number of visitors on a given day was 4 and the maximum which occured on the 8/6/09 was 186. Around 3,000 people have viewed the guestbook with 215 public and 20 private entries being made. These statistics not only demonstrate how popular the website has been but how popular and sorely missed Tegan is. I would like to encourage everyone to continue to visit Tegan's Place as a way of remembering and perpetuating Teegs memory.

28/06/09
Wristbands
On 9/6/09 a cheque for $1000 was presented to Mackillop Principal Mr Michael Lee. The $1000 was raised from the nett sale to date of over 500 of Tegan’s wristbands and has been added to the Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift fund. If anyone wishes to purchase any more wristbands, there are still some available in 2 different sizes so see Chris or Tamika.

One year on
The 8/6/09 marked the anniversary of when Teegs passed away and was a reflective and painful day for many. It was however comforting to see that a lot of people on the long weekend either lit candles, left guestbook messages, placed Newspaper ‘In Memory’ notices or visited Teegs memorial and left flowers. It was also comforting to see so many attend the Mackillop mass dedicated to Teegs before School on a cold morning the following day. The media and in particular the Canberra Times showed interest in reporting on both the anniversary and The Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift which resulted in two stories being published. These stories can be viewed on the Links page.

05/06/09
Medium size wristbands now available
A batch of medium size (180mm circumference) Memorial Wristbands have arrived so if anyone would like one or would prefer the standard larger size (200mm circumference) wristband then please contact Chris or Tamika. The price is still $3 with the nett proceeds going to the Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift

With the anniversary of Teegs death approaching on the 8th June, a number of people are wondering what they could do to mark the occasion. The day itself no doubt will be difficult and emotional as each one of us reflects on what occurred and on the impact Teegs had on our lives. Everyone will handle the day differently so the following are but just a few suggestions:

As I’m sure most are aware, Mackillop College will be observing the anniversary by holding a mass dedicated to Teegs on Tuesday 9th June with details to be announced by the College shortly.

Wristbands Re-Order
An order has been placed for some smaller size memorial wristbands which hopefully will arrive within the next two weeks so if anyone would like one then please contact Chris or Tamika.

18/04/09
An etched metal photo of Teegs has finally arrived and has been added to her plaque at Norwood Park.

09/03/09
Thank you to those who have so far contributed photos for the wristband slideshow. This slideshow is now available for viewing from the Memorial Wristband page.

27/02/09
Coming soon will be the photo slideshow I've previously mentioned of various family members and friends wearing Teegs wristband. If you have a photo and you would like it included, please email it to Chris as it's not to late. Note: It doesn't have to be at an exotic location or in an action shot as some people have thought.

08/02/09
The money raised so far for the Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift is now in excess of $12,000 which has been raised though the tremendous efforts of Mackillop student fundraising, Mackillop staff donations, community sporting groups, the AFP and through the generosity of many families.

26/01/09
Keely, Chelsea and I have returned from our usual annual trip to Queensland, a trip that this time we delayed until after Teegs birthday and one we made reluctantly.

The drive up was tough going, not just because of the holiday traffic but also with the plenty of time we had on our hands to reflect on the year. Being in Queensland brought back many happy memories of times we had there previously with Teegs such as visiting family and friends, skydiving, quad biking and swimming just to name a few but this time although we had some enjoyable moments it just wasn’t the same. As a result, we cut our trip short and returned to Canberra with what hopefully will be an optimistic 2009.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent messages, Christmas cards, rang, and visited over the past 7 months. Without your thoughtfulness, caring and kindness we certainly would not have progressed to the stages we’re at in the so-called grieving and healing process.

Thanks also to Bridgette for reminding me that the family page needs updating to include Teegs and Chelsea’s new cousin Ivy Amari who was born to Verity and Nick on 2nd September 2008. Ivy was not the only recent arrival as Teegs Queensland cousin Melissa had her first child Amber Jade on 27th December 2008. Melissa credited the smooth and safe arrival of Amber weighing a whopping 4.9kgs to Teegs wristband she wore during the delivery.

As a reminder, if anyone has a photo of themselves or anyone else wearing Teegs wristband they would like included in a slideshow on this website, just email it to me.

04/01/09
Thanks to those who came out to assist with the releasing of the 17 balloons on Teegs birthday. Despite a couple getting stuck in the tree initially, they all floated away with attached messages successfully.

31/12/08
Today is Teegs 17th birthday so a special birthday page has been set up to mark the occasion.

30/12/08
Teegs Memorial
A Memorial site for Teegs is nearing completion at Norwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens (65 Sandford St, Mitchell) so if anyone would like to visit and pay their respects, Teegs site can be found in the family gardens behind the office. If the office is open, the staff can show you the location if you are unable to locate it yourself. For further information (or if you are without transport), please contact Chris on 0406 379 250 or via email.

Teegs Birthday
To commemorate Teegs birthday tomorrow, 17 balloons will be released from Teegs Memorial at Norwood Park so if you would like to join Chris, Keely and Chelsea for the occasion and to share a soft drink and some Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream chips, please be there for 3pm. (All are welcome)

17/12/08

Teegs wristband photos wanted
If anyone happens to go anywhere or do anything interesting with Teegs wristband and would like it to appear on Tegan’s Place, can you send the details with ideally a photo to Chris via the contact link. You might wear it while on holidays, at a party, at the beach, playing sport, out shopping etc. The possibilities are endless. It will be nice just to see how far and wide Teegs wristband travels and where it makes an appearance. When sufficient photos are received a wristband slideshow will be available for viewing.

7/12/08

Teegs wristband in the news
For those who haven't seen Saturday's and today's Canberra Times, Australia's current fastest female athlete and Mackillop's own Melissa Breen wore Teegs wristband while competing in this weeks Pacific School Games. Melissa dominated the 100m and 200m blowing away her opposition in 11.35 sec and 23.52 sec respectively as well as anchoring the ACT 4x100m relay team to take a third gold medal at the meet. In a media interview following her stunning performances Melissa said she would use Tegan's memory as an inspiration in her quest for Commonwealth and Olympic Games selection and each time she takes to the blocks will look up and race for Teegs. Thanks Mel for this amazing tribute and gesture and if Teegs is looking down she would be flapping her hands in excitement and would be right behind you cheering you on.

Wristbands
The Teegs Wristbands have landed! (See the Memorials page for more details and photos).

Wristbands
An order has been placed for a limited number of silicone wristbands inscribed with Teegs name and 2 short life mottos. These bands should arrive by the end of this month and will be available for $3 each. Net proceeds will be donated to the ‘Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift’. For more information, contact Chris.

BBQ update
Thanks Dean and all the other students, teachers, parents and businesses who helped and supported todays sausage sizzle in aid of the Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift. A great day was had by all ensuring that the event was a tremendous success. The profit still has to be calculated but the initial estimate is believed to be in excess of $800, a truly remarkable effort. Great work everybody.

Photo's available by clicking here

Oenone
Chelsea yesterday received a surprise parcel from Teegs favourite female sport star, none other than Olympian and professional road cyclist Oenone Wood. After visiting this website and signing the guestbook, Oenone sent Chelsea a number of Beijing Olympic and Australian Cycling Items including clothing and a sports bag. Chelsea was so excited to receive these items she dusted off the cobwebs off her bike and went on a ride proudly wearing an Australian Cycling Jersey and Bib n Brace. Thanks Oenone, you are amazing!.

BBQ
Anyone who is feeling hungry on Melbourne Cup day, head down to Tuggeranong Bunnings as there will be Sausage Sizzle occurring to raise funds for the ‘Tegan Blunt Memorial Gift’.

Wristbands
I am looking at the feasibility of producing some Teegs Wristbands as a fundraiser so watch this space for any developments.

13/09/08

Coincidence or a sign?
Teegs family had what was either a sign or an unusual meaningful coincidence last week when they won a prize in Chelsea's School Father's day raffle. The prize was a box full of Father's Day goodies. All of this occurred after Chelsea a while ago wrote a letter to Teegs and asked her to give Dad a sign because she could see he was upset and missing Teegs. Now the interesting part about winning was that this was the first time her parents had ever won something at the school after many years of buying raffle tickets and this happened to be 1st prize (Tegan always liked to be first!) and the huge box was green in colour (Tegan's favourite colour!)

@2008 No part of this website may be produced or copied in any way without written consent