Several Adelaide landmarks have been bathed in blue light to pay tribute to crash victims Joanne Shanahan — a high-ranking SA Police officer — and Tania McNeill, who were killed in a three-car collision on Saturday.
Blue light was last night projected onto Adelaide's Town Hall, the Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Oval and the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The gesture was in honour of both women who were killed in the crash at Urrbrae on Saturday afternoon.
"A fitting tribute to two vibrant women who could light up a room," SA Police tweeted.
"We are touched beyond words by this extraordinary gesture for Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan, along with Tania McNeill.
"We thank the SA community for your overwhelming support at this difficult time."
Ms McNeill, aged 53, died behind the wheel of a silver BMW, while a 20-year-old man remains in the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Witnesses said his Volkswagen ute became airborne and hit a streetlight before crashing to the ground.
Ms Shanahan's husband, 63-year-old Peter Shanahan, was driving the couple's Holden SUV and was taken to hospital for treatment before being discharged.
Last week, prominent Melbourne buildings were similarly lit up in tribute to four police officers killed in a crash on the Eastern Highway.
Chief Superintendent Shanahan served in the South Australian police force for almost 40 years and dedicated much of her career to its domestic violence unit.
Last year, she was awarded the Australian Police Medal in recognition of her commitment to the community.
South Australian Commissioner for Victims' Rights and former SA Police assistant commissioner Bronwyn Killmier has paid tribute to the victims.
"It's traumatic for both families, it will take a long time to heal from this … it must be such a shock to them," she said.
"Jo was a really popular and well-respected police officer and it was so sudden. She was instrumental in a lot of changes for [domestic violence] victims and really had a focus on victims and helping people … with a good sense of humour too.
"We can't forget that Tania's family is just as important, and both families have suffered a tragedy."
Anti-domestic violence campaigner Arman Abrahimzadeh also expressed his condolences, and yesterday said Superintendent Shanahan had helped support many victims of domestic abuse.
"The multi-agency protective service, otherwise known as MAPS, would not be where it is today and we would not be caring and protecting domestic violence survivors the way we are now," he said.
"She was a hard-working, compassionate individual who would tackle any challenge with a smile on her face.
"She was a very happy and smiling woman, regardless of the challenges that she had ahead of her."
Award to be named in Joanne Shanahan's honour
KWY Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Services CEO Craig Rigney said Ms Shanahan's impact on the domestic violence sector, and in helping break down cultural barriers, was profound.
"What Jo's been able to do for Aboriginal women is really give them a voice," Mr Rigney said.
"She laid the foundations and I think anyone that's worked with her will understand that and the work will continue, but I think Jo's influence on that and all of us won't be forgotten in a hurry."
His organisation will name an award in her honour.
"The work [in domestic violence] will continue, it has to but it will be different. I think what Jo brought to the sector and the work she did and her touch on that will forever be missed, sadly," he said.
The Greek Orthodox Community of SA also paid its respects, describing Superintendent Shanahan as a "wonderful and beautiful person".
"That is who Joanne was — a proud mother, devoted wife, loving daughter and a loyal friend," it said in a statement.
"Her parents [are] long-time, loyal GOCSA members. Mr and Mrs Panayiotou [will] always [be] proud of Joanne.
"Thankfully Joanne's husband Peter was not seriously injured in the crash and has been released from hospital and is with their two adult children.
"We also express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tania McNeill who also lost her life in the same tragic incident."
