Frontline domestic violence services in Young will be awarded $185,000 funding to ensure victim-survivors can access crucial help in their local community.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced Margaret House Refuge Inc as recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant Program funded by the Federal Government.
“Frontline workers across the Cootamundra electorate are putting in a collossal effort to help people at-risk of domestic, family and sexual violence during the pandemic and ongoing recovery period,” Ms Cooke said.
“This includes the amazing team at Young Crisis Accommodation Centre, who work very closely with Margaret House Refuge Inc. as the custodians of our local crisis accommodation infrastructure.”
Ms Cooke said Margaret House Refuge Inc has received the funding to undertake improvements and expand capacity at their current crisis accommodation location.
“The community of Young have contributed very generously to the work of Margaret House Refuge Inc. through the numerous fundraisers run by this wonderful committee.
“It is terrific to be supporting Margaret House and that of the Young Crisis Accommodation team through this particular program, allowing more families in crisis to access a safe space that is inviting and comfortable.
“This funding will help to protect more women and children in our local community who suffer from violence and abuse by enhancing frontline support available to them.”
President of Margaret House Refuge Inc., Anna Hayes said the funding will support the committee to undertake numerous improvements at Margaret House.
“Together with our fundraising efforts, this funding will allow us to remove garden sheds for the construction of a Prefabulous Studio home, which will mean we can accommodate another two families in crisis,” Mrs Hayes said.
“The project will also involve the renovation of the garage into a conference room as a dedicated space for Caseworkers to meet with clients, this space will also incorporate a children’s games room, and we will also be establishing a new garden, children’s outdoor play area and fencing.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said 45 service providers from across the state have been allocated a share in more than $8.6 million to support more victim-survivors.
“These grants will include funding upgrades at women’s shelters and new crisis accommodation with enhanced security,” Mr Speakman said.
“This investment will also allow those providers to improve access for people with disability, create spaces for children, renovate kitchens and bathrooms, repair plumbing and roofing damage, and most importantly to offer more women a safe space and life-saving assistance.”
Today’s announcement follows a $90 million budget boost to support women and children impacted by domestic violence announced as part of the NSW Budget this month.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).
