Frontline domestic violence services across the Manning Great Lakes are being bolstered thanks to additional funding aiming to ensure women and children can access the help they need.
Federal NSW Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie and State NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead announced Great Lakes Womens Shelter and the Taree Womens Refuge would share almost $200,000 from the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program that was funded by the NSW Nationals in the federal government and allocated by the NSW Nationals in the state government.
“Sadly, we know that home is not safe for many women and children,” Dr Gillespie said.
“This funding will provide access to specialist family and domestic violence services to help create real and lasting change in their lives.”
Great Lakes Womens Shelter will allocate the additional funds to expanding the domestic violence case management services.
Taree Womens Refuge are expanding the capacity of the Taree Specialists Homelessness Service and employing a specialist Aboriginal caseworker.
“Domestic violence rates in Myall Lakes continue to shock our community, and our frontline workers are facing increased demand and pressures due to the pandemic,” Mr Bromhead said.
“This funding will protect the women and children of Myall Lakes as we work together to eradicate family violence from our communities.
“Huge thanks to our dedicated frontline workers for everything they do to support some of the most vulnerable members of Myall Lakes.”
Support where it’s needed
Great Lakes Womens Shelter President Julie Brady welcomed the funding and said it will provide women and their children the increased support and guidance leading to greater stability.
“When women make the decision to leave it is vital that they have somewhere safe to go and the support to guide them through. Great Lakes Womens Shelter will be there to assist providing support and enhancing life skills and the opportunity for a new start in life,” Ms Brady said.
Great Lakes Womens Shelter recently received $1.39 million under the NSW Nationals in the federal government’s Safe Places initiative and $605,000 from the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Regional Growth Fund for new and expanded emergency accommodation.
The NSW Nationals in the federal government is investing $340 million in the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022.
For confidential advice, support and referrals related to domestic and family violence, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).