"She loved life, loved her music. We'd like to have people remember that more so than a girl that was murdered.” said Sally Shoard, who attended school with Alison Lewis.

This is why Mrs Shoard and another childhood friend of Ms Lewis, Tanya Merrick, are organising a memorial service to remember Alison.

The service will be held in Queen Elizabeth Park on Thursday night at 7pm.

"She was very good at what she did,” said Mrs Shoard.

"She was studying to be a music teacher at uni… that was her life all through primary and high school with her piano. She was amazing."

The death of Ms Lewis sent shock waves which were felt far and wide.

"It affected a lot of people. Not only the people that knew her but the community itself because you know, it was Lithgow. It wasn't the city," said Mrs Shoard.

Mrs Merrick grew up in the same street as Alison. She said finding out about her death left her feeling numb.

"I don't think words could describe what we were feeling. It was just shock," Mrs Merrick said.

The childhood friends are hoping the service will encourage people to be safe, particularly at night.

"To create awareness, there's just nothing out there to let young people know what has happened in the past and what can still happen today," said Mrs Shoard.

"Back then we all walked home whether it was two of us or a group of us, even if it was one of you but we felt safe to do it.”

"Times have changed, just to let some of the girls know that this happened in their town by a local to a local girl,” said Mrs Merrick.

"Maybe we may be able to start some sort of Alison memorial shuttle bus so our kids don't have to go through what we have," said Sally Shoard.

The memorial service will involve words from Alison’s friends, a balloon release and lots of music.

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to wear something purple and to bring a purple balloon.