The communities of Hornsby and Ku-Ring-Gai have been working towards the establishment of a much-needed social-centre in our region.
The delicate subject matter of domestic violence is broached on the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Women’s Shelter website.
The shelter provides temporary supported accommodation in a non-threatening environment for women in times of crisis.
Providing many services, mental and physical, the shelter advocates for women’s safety and personal confidence through empowering women in the area.
The Club Grants Donation Scheme has apparently allowed the Ku-Ring-Gai Council’s sponsorship of this noble cause.
On Thursday the 20th of May this year, the Hornsby Shire council released coverage on the growing spectrum of the facility.
Hornsby Mayor Steve Russell said, “Special mention should go to Deputy Mayor Nathan Tilbury and the many tireless volunteers who are driving this project.”
The website for the shelter provides insight into the rehabilitative and personal-building role the shelter aims to play.
According to the Hornsby council’s media release, the shelter has been aided significantly by fundraising driven by the local community.
Fundraising has enabled local sponsorship of over $100,000 towards the further establishment and running of the facility to be raised.
In excess of $400,000 is required to finalise the shelters establishment, which is why donation and contribution is an imperative.
“Corporate donations and sponsorship would be welcome” Annabelle Daniel, Chief executive officer of Women’s Community Shelters stated.
Most importantly in the article is the contribution of the Women’s Community Shelters Board, which is to provide almost one million dollars over a three-year period, to get the shelter started.
The Shelter has not opened yet, and is in the process of filing lease applications in a potential property in the area.
Further information including contact of the shelters management is available through councils involved (Hornsby and Ku-Ring-Gai), Mayor Jennifer Anderson and Nathan Tilbury both being strong contributors towards the initiative. Referral through the Domestic Violence Agency is another option as full information disclosure can obviously be a hazard of safety.
The Hon. Paul Fletcher (member for Bradfield) is an avid supporter of the cause and urges all forms of donations be made towards the initiative.
Fletcher is the driving force behind the organising of the comedy debate held at the Ravenswood School on the 10th August. Tickets for this event are available via; http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=93610
The website has made online donation possible. The link; http://www.givenow.com.au/hornsbykuringgaiwomensshelters allows members of the community to make a one-off or a recurring donation.
On top of that, a Gala Ball is being held on the 25th of October this year at the Hornsby RSL club. Being run by the local schools; Barker College, Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh and Pymble Ladies College, the proceeds will go towards the further succession of this facility.
John Lockyer’s (Coordinator of the steering committee) personal mobile number can be found on the website of the shelter. He is available for further enquiries.
The establishment of a strong, rehabilitative centre for suffering women is a great addition to what should be a safe and unified Northern region of Sydney.
