Georges River Council mayor Kevin Greene and Kingsway Community Care have officially opened a new women's crisis accommodation centre in the Georges River area this week.
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"The opening of the first women's refuge in the Georges River area is a significant milestone in Council's fight against domestic and family violence," Councillor Greene said..
"The centre will provide a supportive space for women and their children affected by domestic violence, and by opening this centre we continue to send the clear message to our community that domestic violence will absolutely not be tolerated.
"I would like to thank our partners Kingsway Community Care for their dedication to helping us combat the issue of domestic violence in the Georges River area, and their hard work creating a safe haven for women in need.
"Our community has blown us away with support for the centre with donations of household items, which have helped to furnish the facility and assist families moving into more permanent accommodation.
"Thank you to all who have contributed, by standing as a united front we will be better equipped to tackle this issue, and the overwhelming support from the community shows women in need that people care, and that they are not alone.
"Sadly, the Georges River area is in the top 10 regions of NSW for reported incidences of domestic and family violence. There are ways that you can continue to support the fight against domestic violence locally.
"Kingsway Community Care is calling for monetary donations for the crisis centre, and you can drop off donations of canned food and non-perishable food items at Council's customer service centre in Hurstville.
"I encourage you to donate if you can - every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference", Cr Greene said.
Brook Stewart, General Manager of Kingsway Community Care said many local organisations collaborated to help get the centre up-and-running.
"Big challenges that we as a community face require even bigger commitment and collaboration," Mr Stewart said.
"This project is exciting because we all saw a great need for a women's refuge and worked together to deliver it - Georges River Council, local suppliers, local businesses, local tradespeople and local organisations.
"We have created a beautiful home and safe haven for people suffering from domestic and family violence, and it's an example of what is possible when the community works together for a critical cause.
"I am very proud of what we have achieved together, may this be just the beginning of many more partnerships being formed to make our community stronger," Mr Stewart said.
Monetary donations for the centre will be used for outgoings, brokerage and staffing at the new crisis centre.
People are encouraged to donate by visiting: www.kingswaycare.org.au/appeal/23-survivors
Donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Hurstville customer service centre between Monday to Friday, 8.30am and 5.00pm.
In May 2018, Council supplied a property to Kingsway Community Care for transformation into the women's crisis accommodation facility and continues to subsidise the annual rental costs of $50,000.
If anyone requires immediate accommodation call Link2Home 1800 152 152 or DV Line 1800 664 63.
For more information on Kingsway Community Care, visit kingswaycare.org.au/platform-nine
