"This is not going to rest, Tara's death is not for naught," he said.

Ms Costigan's brutal death allegedly at the hands of her ex-partner in late February shocked Canberra, unleashing a wave of public opposition to family violence in all its forms.

Thousands turned out last month for the first annual Walk For Tara around Lake Burley Griffin.

In the wake of the killing, Mr Costigan, Tara's uncle, went to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, telling them he was going to create a foundation in his niece's name.

He asked what they needed most, and was told three things; awareness, education and lobbying.

That's what the Tara Costigan Foundation will set out to achieve.

A small group gathered at the Hellenic Club in Civic, on Saturday, to start the arduous task of building the organisation from the ground up.

It may still be in its infancy, but the vision is grand.

The foundation will aim to spearhead a movement that transforms Australia into the international benchmark of respect and love in relationships.

Its mission is to change belief systems and culture to a point where there is zero tolerance for violence.

"We are not going to run a little Mickey-Mouse Canberra-bred foundation. The intention is that this will be a national foundation, that this will have a much bigger impact than we can imagine," Mr Costigan told the group.

The organisation will seek to mirror the success of the McGrath Foundation in raising breast cancer awareness, and will work with existing organisations which share common goals.

Its motto of "together we are strong" has already been tattooed on many of Ms Costigan's family and closest friends.

"I believe that everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and it is for our benefit," Mr Costigan said.

"I don't mean that what happened to Tara is a benefit.

"I mean that we have to have an attitude of being able to find something good and to seek benefit out of every situation, because what's the alternative?"

Those at the planning meeting on Saturday included Brindabella MLA Nicole Lawder, ACT Public Trustee Andrew Taylor, Victims of Crime Commissioner John Hinchey, family, close friends and others who believed their skills could help the foundation make a difference.

The group was warned it was not going to be a quick fix and that persistence and audacity were needed.

"No matter how many times doors close, we'll keep knocking on doors," Mr Costigan said.