Annual Report 2012/13

NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Inc. ABN 51 326 110 595 For a copy of the full Financial Report or additional copies of this report, please contact us.

Office of the NSW WRM PO Box 3311 REDFERN NSW 2016 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 02 9698 9777

Graphic design Erin Snelgrove | [email protected] | 0410 421 901 Contents

Letter from the Chief Executive Officer 2 Our Herstory 4 In Memorium 5 Our Principles 6 Working Party 8 Business Centre Report 10 Office Report 11 Managed Services Bathurst Women & Children’s Refuge 16 Bourke Women & Children’s Safe House 22 Delvena Women’s Refuge 26 Dolores Single Women’s Refuge 30 Elsie Women’s Refuge 34 Forbes Women’s Refuge 40 Kempsey Women’s Refuge 44 Wagga Wagga Women & Children’s Refuge 52 Wilcannia Women & Children’s Safe House 58 Wimlah Women & Children’s Refuge 62 Woy Woy Women & Children’s Service 70 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report 72 Acknowledgments 94 NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

1 Letter from the Chief Executive Officer

This year has been filled with family violence. Thanks go to those opportunity and change. women who went before us - the change agents who built the NSW Most importantly, I believe we Women’s Refuge Movement - we have achieved clarity of purpose. stand on a proud foundation. I commenced the privileged role of CEO in September 2012 and Members also supported the full have led the team through a truly separation of the organisation’s transformative phase. peak and service management functions, the NSW WRM We can now proudly state our Business Centre becoming vision for “A world where women Domestic Violence NSW Service and children live free from violence, Management (DVNSWSM). have equal rights, opportunities and freedom to reach their A labour intensive undertaking potential”. We can be clear that our as a result of substantial growth work is all about the women and and corresponding governance children we serve. requirements, DVNSWSM has been established as a With overwhelming member separate Company (Limited endorsement, our Working by Guarantee) with an external Party have achieved significant board of professional feminist organisational restructure across women assuming full governance both the organisation’s peak and responsibility. business arms in 2013. It has required courage and tenacity and DVNSWSM is positioned as a I have worked alongside strong, major not-for-profit domestic and committed women. family violence service provider working within a strengths-based As a result, the NSW Women’s feminist framework. Refuge Movement has opened it’s membership to welcome our It is my optimistic expectation that sister services in the sector who DVNSWSM will go from strength to also provide specialist support to strength and work innovatively to women and children who have model best practice. Inextricably linked experienced domestic and family by an overarching vision, DVNSWSM violence. We are nothing without is now legally and physically separated each other and this inclusivity can from the peak - with new premises in only lead to better responses for the Sydney CBD. women and children. 2013 has been another busy year The restructure has also led to a supporting the sector with the name change for the organisation, NSW government policy agenda - officially becoming Domestic including the Going Home Staying Violence NSW (DVNSW) in July Home and Domestic and Family 2013. The change was undertaken Violence Reform platforms. to better reflect the expertise of We have met with or talked to the organisation and its members you one on one, travelled to in responding to domestic and NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

2 your regions, interagencies and service providers in the fields of From here, the trajectory is upwards networks. It has been personally sexual violence and domestic and and we believe we can make inroads educational to not only see the family violence. I have watched to beat the scourge of violence size and diversity across the the Alliance strengthen throughout against women and children. geographic landscape but also to the year and be acknowledged by We envisage working on an witness the progressive and client government as a “go to” think tank exciting strategic plan with a centred work already occurring. about these issues. primary prevention focus, leading The reforms are the most So, those are some of the big the formation of a housing significant to impact our members issues we have tackled this year. company DFV Housing and since the 1980s and this has engaging with a broadened We are where we are because seen the team and I engage with membership to work together in a team made things happen government, prosecuting the collaborative and innovative ways. - thank you to all of you for case for continued and increased your unswerving energy and funding to specialist services for commitment to the cause. women and children who have experienced domestic and family You have stayed focused on the violence. We are rigorous and big picture, overcoming difficult unapologetic in our approach. This circumstances and obstacles, to Tracy Howe advocacy will continue in 2013/14. stand strong in challenging times. Chief Executive Officer Change is never easy, but it has I have represented the state as been rewarding and affirming. NGO appointee sitting on the National Plan Implementation Panel Thanks and acknowledgment to and I attended the Commission for those who sit on our Board, including the Status of Women at the United outgoing chair Narelle Hand and Nations in New York in March. current chair Gayle Halloran. These national and international What the Office and the Business platforms gave me food for Centre have achieved is thought and clarity about the role outstanding and reflects outputs of our peak. Of course we must from a team 10 times their size! I have a local and state presence am so proud to lead them. They however, we can really be agents ARE amazing. of change if we feed into national Office and international agendas too. The potential for DVNSW to be a key Taryn Champion, Casey Hirst, player in the fight against violence Kate O’Brien, Bonnie Souter, Erin perpetrated on women and Snelgrove children is immense. Business Centre This year also saw the genesis Amy Simmons, Pat Louischeron, of a NSW Sexual Assault and Johanna Moon, Bonnie Souter Domestic and Family Violence Women’s Alliance, co-convened by our organisation in partnership with the NSW Rape Crisis Centre. Uniting peaks and state-wide NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

3 Our Herstory

After the 1974 International Women’s Day celebration, a group of women established the first women’s refuge in Australia; now Elsie Women & Children’s Refuge, a member of the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement. Other refuges were soon established, funded solely by community donations. It took until January 1985 for refuges to receive secure funding. Throughout its history, the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement (WRM) has had significant input into improving the overall responses to women and children escaping domestic and family violence, and sexual abuse through representation on government and interagency working groups, steering committees and advisory councils to provide advice and influence policy and legislation. The WRM became a statewide representative body of refuges with a specific focus on providing consistent quality support for women and children escaping domestic violence. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

4 In Memoriam

Barbara “Barb” May Kilpatrick (1941 – 2013)

Barb was a committed and passionate advocate for improved responses and services for women and children experiencing domestic violence; both within the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement (WRM) and more broadly in violence prevention. In the late 1970s, Barb volunteered as a child support worker at what is now Bringa Women and Children’s Refuge - at that stage one of only four refuges in NSW. By the early 1980s, Barb had gone from volunteer to manager and was sitting on the NSW Premier’s Department committee for new domestic violence legislation. Barb worked tirelessly to improve police responses to domestic violence - representing the NSW WRM as a lecturer at Goulburn Police Academy and as a consultant to then NSW police commissioner, John Avery, on issues relating to women, domestic violence and child protection in the mid 1980s. In 1997 Barb received the National Award for Achievement in Working with Police. Establishing the first domestic violence specific court assistance service during her time at Bringa, Barb engaged pro bono solicitors, and supported women at Manly Court with other Bringa staff. A fierce advocate for expansion of the scheme, it was precursor to the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme (WDVCAS) model established at Redfern Legal Centre in the mid 1990s (and subsequently funded by Legal Aid). A key driver in founding the Women’s Family Law Support Service, Barb continued to support its operations following her retirement. Awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2003, Barb was also recognised in 2007 at the NSW Violence Against Women Prevention Awards with the Tanya King Award for ‘extraordinary efforts of individuals working to prevent violence against women and or to support victims and survivors of violence’. Following her retirement in 2008, Barb became the first recipient of Honorary membership to the NSW WRM; awarded to past members of the Association in recognition and appreciation of service to the NSW WRM and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. A passionate champion of legal and social justice reforms, Barb remained a determined and influential advocate for improved responses and services for women and children following her retirement. Her contribution will never be forgotten. Barb Kilpatrick is survived by David, children Jody, Jacinta, Cristian, Lincoln and Gabrielle, their partners Sharon, Ray, Peta, Liz and Gary, and 17 grandchildren. The Manly Warringah Women’s Resource Centre hopes to build a new wing in Barb’s honour. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

5 Our Principles

Women’s services for women We support the policy and practice of women managing and operating refuges within a feminist framework for women alone, and for women with children escaping domestic violence. Domestic violence is a breach of human rights Domestic violence is a violation of human rights. It is a crime against the individual and against society. Domestic violence is a problem for the whole of society and not just an individual or private problem.

Domestic violence is a crime Domestic violence is a crime and must be responded to as such. The perpetrator is solely responsible for domestic violence.

Domestic violence includes all types of violence Domestic violence includes physical, verbal and emotional abuse, We operate within the We operate within a stalking, abduction and confinement, framework of a feminist collective framework for deprivation of cultural and spiritual philosophy decision making rights, humiliation, harassment, intimidation, denial of access to Domestic violence must be We have maintained our historical money and resources, isolation from understood in the context of unequal commitment to encourage all refuges support, sexual abuse and assault relations of power between men, to participate in the organisation’s including rape and incest, threat of women and children. In the patriarchal decision making process. or actual abuse, and, as part of the structures of our society, men have This is achieved through regional continuum of violence, murder. greater access to power than women and state conferences and the WRM or children. Working Party, Koori, Non-English Domestic violence occurs in Domestic violence is the result of this Speaking Backgrounds (NESB), all types of relationships unequal power relationship and it also Lesbian, Older Women and Child reinforces it. Those who perpetrate Support Groups. Domestic violence can occur within domestic violence often believe they all relationships of a personal nature, have a ‘right’ to control and coerce including heterosexual or lesbian, women and children. marital or de facto, extended families and ex-relationships. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

6 Domestic violence requires Power disparities based on Lesbian issues a comprehensive response cultural background We recognise that lesbians and A comprehensive response to We acknowledge the disadvantages their children experience particular domestic violence must involve experienced by women and difficulties and barriers when trying to government, our communities and children’s experience as a result of access services. include: discriminatory policies, practices and The Lesbian Support Group was •• Advocacy for the rights of individual attitudes in our society based on formed by lesbians in the WRM as women and children as well as for cultural background. a support network to ensure issues society as a whole. relating to lesbians and their children •• Change to the patriarchal structures Representation of remain on the agenda. of our society as they are reflected Aboriginal, Lesbian & NESB in the political, legal, economic, and issues Migrant & CALD issues social systems and as they occur We recognise that migrant, CALD in institutions and government We promote decision making and refugee women and children departments. processes that involve diverse groups in the community. This in our society face many barriers to •• Removing barriers to women and includes promoting the involvement accessing services. children’s safety and empowerment of Aboriginal women, immigrant wherever they occur. The CALD Support Group was women and lesbians in staffing and formed by women from non-English management. Children have particular needs speaking backgrounds in the WRM as a support network to ensure issues We recognise that children have We also support the development of policies which ensure appropriate relating to NESB women and children some needs that are separate to remain on the agenda. their mothers. Providing specific and sensitive support and responses support for children is a crucial to domestic violence. component of an effective response Women & children with to domestic violence. Aboriginal Issues disabilities We are committed to breaking the We recognise that domestic violence We recognise that there are a wide cycle of violence through providing experienced by Aboriginal women range of barriers which impede effective support for children who have and children must be understood women and children with disabilities experienced domestic violence. in a cultural and historical context, from accessing services and has a acknowledging that they remain commitment to addressing these a disadvantaged group due to issues. Access & equity discriminatory (overt and covert) We value diversity and are committed structures in our society. to promoting access to and equity of services for all women. The WRM Koori Support Group was formed by Aboriginal women in the This includes Aboriginal & Torres WRM as a support network to ensure Straight Islander women and children, issues relating to Aboriginal women NESB women and children, lesbians and children remain on the agenda. and their children, women and children in rural and isolated areas, older women, young women, and women and children with disabilities. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

7 Working Party

The last 12 months have seen historic her expertise every step of the way The Working Party is the changes within the organisation, it has and I thank you for your leadership governing body of the NSW been a challenging and exciting year. and unswerving support to seeing Women’s Refuge Movement Inc. The most significant changes were: these implementations. I am grateful Consisting of elected delegates we have such a skilled CEO who •• A new name for the Association, from nine regions covering NSW continues to work with passion Domestic Violence NSW; plus 5 specialist support groups, and dedication to ensure DVNSW •• Expanded membership eligibility the role of the Working Party is to is a professional feminist based criteria; oversee the management of WRM organisation. I am personally proud to services, special projects and the •• Voting rights for individual members; be supporting these processes in my implementation of policy decisions •• The structural review and capacity as Chair. made by members at WRM State subsequent changes to the I would like to take this opportunity to and Child Support Conferences. Service Management Arm of the thank the previous Chair of Working Association (the Business Centre) Working Party delegates represent Party, Narelle Hand. During her time the needs of members and the The name change and expanded as Chair, and as the Child Support women and children they support membership eligibility criteria reflects Delegate, Narelly brought enormous from within their region or specialist the Association’s advocacy and energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, support group. representative role for the specialist professionalism and commitment. DFV sector and its long history in The statewide specialist support It has been a privilege to be a part of advocating for improved responses to groups were established in Working Party, alongside a dedicated domestic and family violence. recognition of the disadvantages group of experienced women who experienced by some groups and These changes have occurred during support our feminist principles. All to provide a forum for support, the development and implementation committee members have worked networking and advocacy for of two major reform programs tirelessly to support the changes, specific issues. These specialist affecting the Specialist Homelessness which at times were in particularly support groups include: Sector Going Home Staying Home challenging circumstances. and the ongoing development of the •• Koori Support I would like to thank each Working NSW Domestic and Family Violence •• Culturally and Linguistically Party member for the level of Reforms. The Association has been Diverse Background (CALD) professionalism they have shown, heavily engaged and continues to Support and the commitment to support the promote sector engagement. Association as a peak body. •• Lesbian Education Advocacy & The Office of the NSW Women’s Peer Support Group I look forward to the continued growth Refuge Movement (WRM) staff •• Child Support and exciting times ahead, certain that have embraced and supported the any future challenges will be embraced •• Older Women’s Support challenges of this past year - not with the same positive and capable least the increased workloads - like attitude so evident in 2012/13. the true professionals they are. I thank each one of you; without your commitment and resilience such excellent outcomes could not have been achieved. Our CEO Tracy Howe is leading the Gayle Halloran team in a new and exciting direction. Chair, NSW WRM Working Party Tracy has been inspirational, showing (from November 2012) NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

8 Becoming DVNSW

In February 2013 the Working Benefits of the Name Change members already offer women Party, Office and Business Centre and Membership Expansion and children experiencing distributed two position papers to the •• Membership expansion is domestic and family violence, not membership. One paper proposed an acknowledgement of the just accommodation. a change to the Association’s Association’s role as a domestic •• Members expressed their desire name and membership criteria. The violence peak, not solely as a to change the name was not from second proposed full separation of specialist homelessness peak. any disrespect to the history and the Association’s peak and service • achievements of the Association, management functions; establishing • Expanding the membership to but a natural progression and a separate company limited by specialist DFV services across desire for the Association to guarantee with external board a diverse range of programs be sustainable, carrying on members assuming full governance reflects our commitment to responsibility for the business arm. support the development of an its advocacy role in relation to integrated service system. domestic and family violence. Special Issues Day & Postal Ballot •• Increased opportunities A Special Issues Day was held on to promote good practice A Big Thank You 18 April to vote on the proposals. approaches, partnerships and The Working Party, Office and All members were provided an shared understanding of the Business Centre would like to thank opportunity to vote by proxy if they gendered nature of DFV. all members who contributed to could not attend. •• Provide access to a peak body this process. The WRM appreciates The proposals drew overwhelming specifically focused on domestic the valuable work services and support from members and a and family violence for those individual members undertake with subsequent postal ballot was held to specialist domestic and family women, children and their broader give effect to the changes and make violence services without. communities. the necessary amendments to the •• Better reflect the broad range We were overwhelmed and heartened Association’s Constitution. of services and support that by the enthusiasm and level of engagement of members in this process which was reflected in the number of members who participated in the voting processes, with around 70%, of the Association’s 356 individual members voting either in person or by proxy at the Special Issues Day and 47% of individual members voting in the postal ballot. The WRM would also like to again thank Amanda Smithers from the NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS) for undertaking the Returning Officer duties for the Special Issues Day and Kristine Kibble for taking on the role of Returning Officer for the postal ballot. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

9 Business Centre

In 2012 the Working Party and was sought and an examination of •• HR audit and establishment of WRM Business Centre undertook other not-for-profit organisational a centralised Human Resource a review of the structure of its structures was undertaken. Management system (continuing) business arm in consultation and As a result, DVNSW has established •• Individual managed service with advice from: a separate entity (Company Limited strategic planning (continuing) •• Corrs Chambers Westgarth by Guarantee) with external board •• DVNSWSM strategic planning Lawyers (Pro-Bono) member positions to assume full • •• Matrix on Board Financial Services responsibility for the business arm. • New Constitution drafted •• Mackison and d’Apice Lawyers This new entity, DVNSW Service •• Appointment of DVNSWSM Board •• Moore Stephens Sydney Management (DVNSWSM) will be •• Provision of Industry Development connected to DVNSW through • Fund support to managed services • Department of Family and name, feminist philosophy, vision, Community Services mission and constitutional linkages. The review identified a number Key undertakings throughout the of issues and potential conflicts Staff year have included: of interest that had arisen as a result of the organisation’s rapid •• Financial review including a Amy Simmons growth. In addition, feedback from move to a centralised financial Business Centre Coordinator services and transfer of financial members and external stakeholders Pat Louischaroen management from internal to highlighted possible confusion Administrative Support around the structure of the WRM Matrix on Board and its dual function as a peak and a •• Workers Compensation audit and Bonnie Souter direct service provider. design and implementation of a Project Officer Ways in which the organisation centralised WHS system (continuing) Johanna Moon could modify its governance •• Housing registration compliance Incoming Financial Officer structure to address the identified •• Development of new Governance, Brenda Roberts concerns were explored. As part Values, Financial, HR and WHS Outgoing Financial Officer of this process, external advice Policies and Procedures NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

10 Office of the WRM

Working Party oversees the Highlights & focus areas Going Home Staying Home management of the Office of the The NSW Government’s Going Home WRM, which is the central point of NSW Sexual Assault, Domestic Staying Home (GHSH) Reform Plan contact for the WRM. & Family Violence Women’s Alliance for Specialist Homelessness Services The Office of the WRM (the (SHS) was released in February 2013. In late 2012, the Office led the Office) regularly provides advice establishment of the Women’s The plan includes five broad to government on policies and Alliance in collaboration with the strategies aimed at improving the programs to improve responses NSW Rape Crisis Centre. The WRM responsiveness and flexibility of and outcomes for women and is Secretariat and co-convenor with the service system; increasing children who are experiencing the NSW Rape Crisis Centre. the focus on intervening early to domestic violence. The Alliance brings together peak prevent homelessness; making it The Office works closely with WRM NSW organisations and state- easier for clients to access the right members to ensure that it can wide service providers in the fields service; better matching supply and actively and effectively represent of sexual violence and DFV who demand; developing the industry and and advocate for refuges, and the are responding to and working to workforce; strengthening quality and women and children they support. prevent violence against women. performance; and reducing red tape and administration. Throughout the course of 2012/13 One of the aims of the Women’s the Working Party and Office Alliance is to act as a conduit for The plan was released following put a number of proposals to advice between the Government an initial consultation period with WRM members to strengthen and non-Government sectors in SHS providers involving regional relation to policy and service system our capacity to partner with consultations and an opportunity to responses to sexual violence and and advocate to Governments provide written responses to GHSH domestic and family violence. and stakeholders for improved Discussion Paper. responses to domestic and family Since its establishment, Alliance GHSH reforms are due to be finalised violence and its prevention. members have worked closely to by June 2014 and are supported provide advice and feedback on the The proposed name change and through a governance structure NSW DFV reforms and related policy that includes a FACS Project Board; membership expansion articulates and program areas. our focus on our advocacy and Sector Reference Group, with representative role in relation to Membership includes: representatives of the three SHS domestic and family violence. •• ACON Health Ltd Peaks including the WRM and three other peaks (Shelter NSW, the NSW •• F Collective In November 2012, the WRM Federation of Housing Associations membership voted to allow proxy •• Inner City Legal Centre and NCOSS), and a Panel of Experts. and postal ballot voting. In doing •• Muslim Women’s Association, Each of the strategies has a Working so, a voice was given to WRM •• NSW DV Coalition members who were unable to Group providing advice to the FACS •• NSW Rape Crisis Centre attend conferences (previously the Reform Team and Sector Reference • only forum for voting). This was • Older Women’s Network NSW, Group. An additional Working group an important step forward for the •• Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s has been developed on improving organisation, and opportunity for Legal Centre linkages and access to mainstream all of the membership to have their •• Women’s Domestic Violence Court services. The WRM is represented on opinions heard. Advocacy Service NSW Inc all Working Groups. Significantly, this allowed all •• Women’s Health NSW The WRM has strongly supported members to have their say and •• Women’s Legal Services NSW and encouraged sector engagement throughout this process of reforms. vote on the proposals made in •• Immigrant Women’s Speak Out. 2013 to expand the eligibility Working Party delegates and Office The Office would like to thank all criteria for membership and staff participated in all but two of the members of the Women’s Alliance initial GHSH regional consultations change the name of the NSW and we look forward to ongoing WRM to Domestic Violence NSW. and consulted with members collaboration and partnership. separately though the WRM regional NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

11 Working Party Working meeting structures. Numerous •• Integrated responses between Working Party delegates and specialist DFV services and members attended and presented at mainstream services (including the GHSH Information and Awareness Commonwealth agencies and sessions that explored the core systems) service delivery design components. •• Supported by a quality workforce The WRM has welcomed the •• Monitoring, accountability and establishment of the Industry evaluation Partnership between the NSW •• Supported by a broader WRM, Homelessness NSW and Y commitment and strategies to Foundations to develop an Industry achieve gender equality Development Strategy. DVNSW looks forward to our A significant undertaking for the continued work with Government, partnership in the past year has been our members, Women’s Alliance the disbursement of $1.3 million from partners and other stakeholders on the Industry Development Funds the development and implementation to SHS to provide support with the of the reforms. development of industry partnerships, undertake structural adjustments to SHS Transitional Rent Reforms implement new business models and In a continuation of rent reforms to strengthen governance structures which have been occurring across and strategic planning processes. the community housing sector since It Stops Here: Reforms to End 2008, the Community and Private Domestic and Family Violence Market Housing Directorate, Housing NSW (CAPMH) issued all SHS On 25 June 2013 the NSW transitional housing providers with Government launched It Stops advice about rent reforms for SHS Here: Standing together to end Transitional Housing (3-18 months) domestic and family violence public providers in April 2013. consultation, following a sector consultation period. CAPMH advised that SHS who manage and hold leases for CAP The WRM has advocated on behalf transitional properties would take on of member services and the women full financial responsibility for property and children they support throughout management functions (including the development of these NSW DFV rates, planned and responsive reforms and supports many of the maintenance) with associated costs objectives as set out in It Stops Here. to be funded by rental income from The development of integrated service July 2015. This would follow the systems and prevention activities is introduction of Commonwealth Rent critical to improving the safety and Assistance maximisation in 2014. wellbeing of victims of DFV and to These reforms present particular reducing rates of DFV over time. challenges for specialist DFV Some of the key components to services, particularly in the context meeting the reform objectives that of parallel reforms including Going the WRM has sought to highlight Home Staying Home (GHSH) and through the consultation period, both the National Regulatory System for independently and as a member of Community Housing (NRSCH). the Women’s Alliance are: In addition to issues the WRM •• Adequate resourcing raised about the implications on •• Practice standards the resources and capacity of member services, central to WRM •• Gendered framework representations were the specific •• Victim centred and empowering NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

12 Office of the WRM

impacts of this policy change on properties to be owned and managed and coordination between the our members, and the women and by this Housing Company. client, solicitor, court staff and other children they support, including: organisations as appropriate. This direct increase in housing options •• Potential loss of DV specific available to women and children, During 2012/13 the WFLSS properties - or a reduction in the linked to support provided by specialist provided 508 support periods to portfolio - if properties are transferred homelessness services for women and 401 women. The vast majority of to a larger provider to manage. children will enable more women and women (81.5%) supported by the •• Reduced ability - or inability children to resolve their homelessness service during this period identified - of services to continue to and live a life free from violence. domestic and family violence. accommodate clients who have The service has had no recurrent a reduced capacity to pay rent Projects funding since mid 2011, prior to i.e. women exceeding income/ which it had received two years of assets eligibility guidelines & women Women’s Family Law Support funding through Women NSW DFV who are not Australian citizens or Service Grants. Since then the service has permanent residents. The Women’s Family Law Support been funded through donations Service (WFLSS) is a joint project DVNSW will continue to work with and bequests made to the WRM between the WRM and the Sydney CAPHM, Homelessness NSW and Inc, support from services and a Family Law Court (FLC), providing Y Foundations to provide support to small one-off grant from the Milton non-legal support, information and members through this reform process. Corporation Foundation. Funds from referrals with a particular focus these sources were fully expended in on women and children who are Specialist DFV Housing Company August 2013. separating from a partner who is Through discussions between the violent or abusive. DVNSW and its members are WRM and CAPHM about SHS committed to keeping the valuable Transitional Rent Reforms, an Located at the Goulburn Street service open to women going through alternative proposal - to establish Family Law Registry, the WFLSS family law processes and ongoing an asset holding company - was was established in March 2007 in operations will be led by Elsie Women’s developed. response to a lack of accessibility to Refuge with the continued support of support, including professional legal This proposal would bring together the member services and Warringa Baiya. support, for women engaged in family housing stock managed by DFV SHS DVNSW and Elsie Women’s Refuge law processes. The WFLSS operates to be managed under a single entity continue to appreciate the support 3 days each week and is staffed by a (the asset holding company). That provided by DVNSW members and Coordinator and seconded workers company would assume responsibility Wirringa Baiya. from WRM member refuges and staff for all property and asset management from Warringa Baiya (a state-wide The Working Party and Office of the functions as the (nationally registered) legal service for Aboriginal women WRM would like to acknowledge the housing provider. and children). commitment and professionalism of The WRM (now DVNSW) believes the outgoing WFLSS Coordinator Ms The Coordinator provides a support that the establishment of a Specialist Alison Hill who has done an incredible role to both clients and seconded Housing Company would have job in often very difficult circumstances. workers, also overseeing the delivery of considerable benefits to women and training to seconded workers and the We would also like to thank the children escaping DFV, members and day to day operations of the service. WFLSS Management Committee, indeed the sector as a whole. the late Barbara Kilpatrick, Ms Sally Workers at the WFLSS provide An ongoing project, DVNSW will Steele and Ms Renate Dwyer for their women with free and confidential continue to work with women’s tireless commitment to the service. support which can include information transitional housing providers who opt about court processes and the Barb and Sally were instrumental in to the project, CAPMH and other roles of court staff, referrals to other in the design, development stakeholders on its establishment. agencies, accompaniement to court and operations of the service, In August 2013, DVNSW welcomed appointments, assistance with finding demonstrating their commitment the announcement by the NSW legal representation and arranging and passion to supporting women Government of the joint NSW appropriate court security. and children who had experienced and Commonwealth Government domestic and family violence going The WFLSS is a holistic response for investment of $12.25 million to through the family law process. women, facilitating communication purchase up to 25 additional NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

13 Mardi Gras and Fair Day -- Regional Planning Working Group Commission The WRM participated in the annual -- Service Delivery Design •• Centrelink Homelessness Reference Mardi Gras Fair Day and Parade, co- -- Resource Allocation Working Group (NSW) cordinated by the Lesbian Education, Group •• CEO is the NSW Representative Advocacy and Peer Support Group •• Linkages with other Human Services on the Women’s Services Network (LEAPS) Working Party Delegate. Working Groups Board (WESNET), a member of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Mardi Gras events are a great •• NSW Department of Family and Against Women and Their Children community awareness raising Community Services (Women NSW) Implementation Panel (NPIP) opportunity, promoting WRM •• DFV Reforms Consultations services and support available to all •• Policy Manager represents the •• Department of Attorney General women and their children who have WRM on the Australian Women and Justice Forum with NGOs on experienced domestic violence or Against Violence Alliance Advisory the Development of the DFV Justice family violence, including the LGBTIQ Group (AWAVA). CEO was proxy for Strategy community. 2012/1. •• The CEO was part of the Australian •• Working Party representation on The WRM stall at Fair Day was well Women Against Violence Alliance North Coast and Western Sydney attended and WRM bags containing (AWAVA) delegation to the 57th Regional Homelessness Committees DFV resources (provided by a number session of the United Nations of member refuges) were widely Commission for the Status of Submissions, Responses, distributed to the community. Women Elimination and prevention Articles & Speeches The Mardi Gras Parade was a of all forms of violence against •• Response to the Consultation significant part of the celebrations, women and girls. Paper Future Directions of Specialist with close to 35 WRM participants •• The NSW Homelessness Homelessness Services frantically dressing our float, and Community Alliance •• Response to the Issues paper: marching with pride and solidarity. •• NSW Sexual, Domestic and Delivering a consistent approach Working Party thanks all of the Family Violence Women’s Alliance to the provision of court support members and supporters who (secretariat and co-convener) services for victims of crime assisted with these events. •• Housing NSW NGO Partners •• Response to the Exposure Draft of The LEAPS delegate continued to Reference Group the Homelessness Bill 2012 work with ACON in 2012/13. One •• NSW Homelessness Action Plan •• Response to the Discussion paper: of the projects is the development Domestic Violence Support services Legislative Reform, Legislative of a DVD education resource for cross project meetings proposals: Strengthening parental domestic and family violence services capacity, accountability and •• Sydney Women’s Homelessness responding to domestic and family outcomes for children and young Alliance violence in LGBTI community. people in State care. •• Women’s Family Law Support The LEPS Delegate is also on the •• Representations to NSW Service Management Committee organising committee for the 2nd Government on Victims Rights and National LGBTIQ Domestic and •• Specialist Homelessness Services Support Bill 2013. Family Violence Conference to be National Data Users Group •• Parity March 2013: Policy Manager held in September 2013. •• NSW WRM State and Child Support article Responding to domestic Conferences and family violence driven Policy Participation and •• NSW WRM Regional Meetings homelessness: Opportunities Advocacy •• Expert Roundtable: Future Directions and Risks in the NSW Reforms of Specialist Homelessness Services. Reference & advisory groups, for Homelessness in NSW forums & consultations •• Consultation regarding the National Information & resources to •• NSW Department of Family and Centre of Excellence for Domestic members Community Services (Housing and Sexual Violence Research •• Going Home Staying Home Fact NSW) – Going Home Staying Home •• LGBTIQ DFV Interagency Sheets and updates Governance Structure: •• Housing and Mental Health •• Member updates -- Sector Reference Group Agreement first Annual Forum •• Bi-monthly reports to members -- Streamlined Access Working •• Haven Project Steering group- •• Email updates Group Australian Human Rights NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

14 Office of the WRM

•• Position Papers The Australian •• NSW Council of Social Services •• Voting Systems and the WRM •• Matthew Newton, 28 June 2013, •• SHS Industry Partnership partners •• Position paper: Proposal to ‘NSW victims of domestic violence – Homelessness NSW and Y adopt name change and expand vindicated’, The Wire Foundations membership •• Natasha Mitchell, 22 November •• Kay Schubach •• Distribution of donations to member 2012, ‘Leaving a Domestic Violence DVNSW Ambassador services Situation’, ABC radio Life matters. •• Elizabeth Broderick •• Alicia Wood, 23 January 2013, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Presentations to members & other ‘New family abuse database DVNSW Ambassador partners mooted’ Daily Telegraph •• Sarah Ferguson •• WRM State Conference (October/ •• ABC Local News Radio (all regional •• DVNSW Ambassador November 2012) areas) 4 July 2012, domestic and •• Rape and Domestic Violence • • WRM Child Support Conference family violence being the main driver Services Australia (October 2012 ) of homelessness formerly NSW Rape Crisis Centre •• WRM North West Regional Meeting •• CLEO Magazine, ‘Hard to walk •• Australian Human Rights (July 2012, April 2013) away’, http://www.cleo.com.au/ Commission •• WRM Southern Regional Meeting get-talking/news/2013/4/hard-to- •• NSW Women’s Alliance Members (April 2013) walk-away/ •• Anne Summers OAM • • WRM Western/South Western •• 2SER Radio Daily Show, The NSW •• ACON Health Ltd Sydney - Country – September Government Aurora App •• Warringa Baiya 2012, February 2013) •• Women’s Legal Services NSW •• NSW WRM Riverina regional Website and Social Media •• Marketing Elements Pty Ltd Meeting –August 2012 The new website has launched at • •• Orana Far West Safe House www.dvnsw.org.au. • Libby Darlison Network Business Centre and Director, the Miller Group Twitter and Facebook accounts have Office –Project Manager •• Susan Geraghty been established with links available •• Kristine Kibble •• April 2013 Special Issues Day from the website. •• Presentation on the WRM •• Brenda Roberts perspective of GHSH to the NSW Acknowledgements Outgoing Financial Officer Federation of Housing Associations Presentation on the WRM We would like to acknowledge the perspective of GHSH to North following individuals, services and Staff Coast Regional Homelessness organisations that have supported Committee and partnered with the organisation Ms Tracy Howe •• Official Opening of the Garden of throughout 2012/13, a period of Chief Executive Officer significant change for the Association. Hope at Campbelltown Hospital, Taryn Champion •• Presentation to Expert Roundtable: •• WRM member services Policy Manager Future Directions for Homelessness •• WRM individual members Casey Hirst in NSW on good practices within •• The Hon. Pru Goward Project Officer/Office Support the DV Homelessness Action Minister for Family and Community Plan projects and SHS specialist Services & Minister for Women Bonnie Souter domestic and family violence Project Manager •• NSW Department of Family and services. Community Services (Housing Erin Snelgrove NSW, Women NSW and Casual Office Support/Policy Support CEO Media comment Community Services) •• Lucy Carrol, 19 June 2013 ‘Shame Kate O’Brien •• Corrs Chambers Westgarth pressures affluent women to hide Casual Office Support Lawyers (pro-bono support) domestic violence, say experts’, Pat Louischaroen • Sydney Morning Herald • Matrix on Board Casual Office Support •• Natasha Robinson, 22 June 2013, •• Moore Stephens Sydney Masha Vahldieck ‘Charges against victims dropped’, • • Domestic Violence Victoria Office Support NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

15 Bathurst Women & Children’s Refuge

Overview

Throughout 2012/13 the Bathurst The Resource Centre is vital school enrolments in place however, Women and Children’s Refuge in developing and maintaining Bathurst is a small town and this (BWCR) team has remained client community partnerships and makes it difficult to ensure safety to focused, continuing to support raising awareness about the effects women and children who are fleeing women, children, families and each and impacts that domestic and violent perpetrators. other in a positive, friendly and family violence has on families. It is BWCR has undergone a number of understanding manner. important for community members structural and managerial changes who may be experiencing or at risk over 2012/13. Changes to the Peak We continue to prioritise applications of homelessness or DFV to have for additional funding to ensure Body (WRM to DVNSW), changes to access to a space that is comforting, our financial services and changes to service expansion and establish welcome and safe. working partnerships. management systems, as well as the I would like to applaud Maureen broader Going Home Staying Home We continue to coordinate and Connor, Community Outreach reforms have required the team to facilitate the Love Bites program Worker at the Resource Centre, for constantly adapt. with limited funding over the year. A her work empowering individuals to special mention to Sandra Doueihi I would like to personally thank explore options, develop problem Yasmin Dowling who has sustained who has persisted in promoting the solving skills, assertiveness and self program in local schools and within all her administrative duties while confidence using a case management supporting and clarifying issues and her own individual job role. Sandra framework. Maureen’s role extends has found time to connect all the concerns not just for the manager but to Mudgee and Blayney, providing the whole team. trained facilitators in the Central West necessary support in these small to schools, coordinating the program communities to ensure clients are I would like to thank the BWCR team with Kelso High, Bathurst High, safe, their needs are addressed and for being nothing less than amazing, Mudgee High and Mackillop College. information and referrals to relevant the outgoing management committee The Kelso Kids Group has been in services are given. Outreach is a for their unwavering support, the many high demand in 2012/13. The group huge part of our role and a constant local partnerships and supports, the continues to run every Monday highlight of BWCR service provision. community generally and the women after school and is a huge success and children who access BWCR Lack of other services and isolation and the Resource Centre who bring providing early intervention and are issues for clients accessing education to the kids that attend. so much courage, strength and BWCR. In addition, the lack of determination to our services. A huge congratulations to Erin adequate public transport in the Beadman who secured funding Central West is a huge obstacle BWCR is looking forward to the year through the Honda Foundation for a to overcome. Limited public and ahead, securing additional funding weather shed in the refuge backyard community housing and private to continue and expand the services so the Kelso Kids Group can rental properties are also ongoing BWCR provides and to form stronger continue to run through the colder issues that affects homelessness partnerships not only locally but with Bathurst months. and women and children escaping other support services, refuges, domestic violence in our community. funding body and the peak. BWCR operates the Women and Children’s Resource Centre in the Safety is also an issue in Bathurst. Bathurst CBD, providing outreach Women often do not want to Rae Hopkins support, resources and group relocate somewhere else due Manager facilitation to the central west region. to family, employment, care and (from November 2012) NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

16 Our work Prevention LoveBites Love Bites is a one day prevention program that works with young people around issues of domestic and family violence and sexual assault. BWCR has coordinated the Love Bites program in the Central West for the past 5 years. We successfully coordinated and delivered the Love Bites Program to four schools this financial year. This equated to ten full days of Love Bites Kelso Kids Group in high schools across the Central West - Kelso High, Bathurst High, The Kelso Kids group was developed and resources that are available to Mudgee High and MacKillop College. in in response to a gap in supports support families in Bathurst. for children in Bathurst displaying BWCR and the Committee organised Protective Behaviours disruptive behaviours. a Community Access Day at The BWCR Outreach Worker and The weekly group allows children the Primary School. Community Child Support Worker work closely to speak with workers if they have members were given a ‘passport’ with the local preschools, developing any problems at home, school or that was stamped by each and delivering a six week Protective need guidance gnerally. Police, fire- organization whose stall they had Behaviors Program to EarlyStart fighters and other role models attend visited. Once they had visited each Preschool, West Bathurst Preschool stall they entered in to a major prize and Towri Macs. to establish trusting and resectful relationships. draw - this proved to be a great way EarlyStart Preschool is for to get community members to visit The program runs each Monday disadvantaged families who cannot all the stalls to see what services and from 3:30 - 5pm with afternoon tea afford mainstream child care and is information are available. an outreach service of West Bathurst provided as children may not have Preschool. Towri Macs is a child care had lunch. BWCR also organised with the committee a Services Bake Off at centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Kelso has a high Aboriginal population the local shopping centre that is Islander children and families. so there is a focus in the group on isolated and run down - the only Aboriginal culture, particularly in and In the lead up to the program being shopping centre in Kelso (the area around NAIDOC Week. delivered BWCR staff attend the BWCR is located in). Local services services to connect with children and participated in the bake-off with the preschool, also speaking to families Kelso Hub - Family Fun Days community members tasting each about keeping children safe. The Kelso Community Hub is based and voting on their favourite slice. at Kelso Public School and includes Services also had face painting and Early Start members from a wide range of activities for the little kids and take We have a close working relationship organisations including educational home ideas to promote literacy. with Early Start, who preference and early childhood services. BWCR referrals. The preschool is in The event’s main purpose was to BWCR and Centacare are the close proximity to BWCR and staff connect with the local community lead agencies for the program regularly attend EarlyStart to assist face to face in a fun way before that aims to increase knowledge with staff debriefing, training and further events with service promotion. family needs. and use of local services, facilities NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

17 Early intervention Community Outreach Structure We acknowledge that not all women visits Blayney on the second Friday The Community Outreach Worker also and children experiencing domestic of each month and provides a social travels to Mudgee once a month to and family violence desire or need work service at Blayney Healthone attend the Mudgee Drop-In Centre at to be accommodated at the refuge. local hospital. the Barnardo’s Centre. A roster system ensures that each week a domestic For this reason, our community The service has been very successful, and family violence worker is available outreach offers support to those providing the Blayney community to support women in Mudgee. Partner women and children who have with ongoing support in partnership services include Lithgow Refuge, accommodation in Bathurst and its with the Blayney Hospital and Family Wimlah Women and Children’s surrounds, or for whatever reason Medical Practice. choose to remain in the home. Refuge, WDVCAS. Community outreach works to enhance a range of things including self confidence, communication skills, advice on application for Apprehended Violence Orders, referrals to relevant service providers for issues including legal, parenting, health and wellbeing. Specific safety plans are created with the client to ensure the family’s safety is a priority. Women & Children’s Resource Centre BWCR operates the Women and Children’s Resource Centre situated in the CBD of Bathurst. Community Outreach clients attend appointments here with the Community Outreach Worker and are provided a safe and inviting environment with easy access to information and individual one on one sessions. The one on one sessions aim to encourage women to gain new skills and knowledge to enhance their self confidence and independence. The service also provides warm referrals to relevant community service providers depending on the client’s needs. Community outreach supporting rural communities BWCR community outreach travels to rural centres to support women and children where general community service provision is minimal. These smaller towns are isolated due to lack of transport services and the geographical location of these centres. The Community Outreach Worker NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

18 Bathurst Women & Children’s Refuge

Crisis Support Out of the Dark & Intensive, This program aims to educate women about domestic and family Individualised Case violence and provide an opportunity for them to make positive changes Management in their lives. The program covers the following topics: Crisis support • • Definition of abuse BWCR provides short term, clients are supported during their •• Cycles of abuse safe and supported crisis stay at the refuge and provides an •• Your rights and the law accommodation to women with or opportunity for the women to gain self-confidence and independence •• How domestic violence affects without dependent children who as they move forward with their lives. your children are escaping domestic and family violence, are homeless or may be Referral to other services may be •• Managing stress and self care experiencing trauma in their lives. necessary to address specific needs. •• Profiles of victims and abusers The service oprates 24 hours per The Bathurst Women and •• Resources and links to support day, 7 days per week. An after-hours Children’s Refuge recognise and women who have experienced on-call service is available for crisis agree that not all women may need domestic and family violence. situations with all other inquiries or wish to access the supported The program is presented with attended to during business hours. crisis accommodation service. In facilitation from a number of local situations such as this the services Supported accommodation is community service providers who of the Community Outreach worker available to all women with or have been trained in the program. may be appropriate for the women without dependent children who are to access. Women’s Group escaping domestic violence and can self-manage and manage to care for In-house case management A number of activities are offered to their children as vacancies permit. women experiencing domestic and Intensive case management with This includes women experiencing family violence in a safe, fun and in-house clients works to ensure mental health difficulties, women social environment. positive and supported outcomes. with a disability and women with Ensuring the immediate health Opportunities for emotional alcohol or drug related issues, and safety of mother and child/ expression are presented using providing they are stabilised to the ren is paramount, following on art therapy or creative craftwork. point of self management. case management and goal setting On a more practical note, projects We can offer short-term such as seeking counseling, legal such as furniture restoration accommodation to women who are advice, police/court assistance and provide clients with new skills and homeless and at risk of violence housing assistance. enhancement of self esteem. if a vacancy is available. However Weekly house meetings ensure Personal development is encouraged priority will be given to women and all in-house clients are feeling with the women forming friendships children experiencing domestic and supported and safe. This meeting and support networks. family violence. gives women an opportunity to Women and children are accepted share any issues or concerns in a from any location, including women friendly atmosphere. that live in the local area - provided A Client Support Officer from the safety of the woman or other Housing NSW will attend when residents is not compromised by requested, to discuss different the proximity of the offender. housing procedures and provide Case management advice on housing applications. Activities such as beauty treatments, Clients engage in a case scrapbooking, potpourri and craft management program with a are undertaken. crisis support worker. This ensures NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

19 Co-case management supported, understand the impacts •• Assisting with enrolments to schools of violence and works to reconnect and childcare. Working with other services and establish routine and stability. ensures appropriate advice and •• Drug and alcohol referrals to case management is conducted to The child support worker works appropriate services. support women and their children not only with in-house clients but •• Cultural referrals to culturally to complete tasks and goals and outreach children, also conducting specific services, group, empower women to start a new life school holiday programs and reconnecting with religion. free from violence. We work with community events and programs. For women and children exiting crisis local services such as: A buddy bag is given to each accommodation, the support worker •• Bathurst Women’s Housing child who stays at BWCR with a and outreach worker complete a hand •• Bathurst Emergency set of PJ’s and other essentials over procedure. Accommodation (generously provided by the This works to ensure women Alannah Madeline foundation). •• Housing NSW understand the outreach program •• Housing Plus and provides an opportunity to meet •• VERITAS Youth Service the outreach worker, and encourage Post Crisis women to maintain contact to assist •• Tenancy Advice Services maintaining her tenancy and receive • • Women’s Legal Services Rapid re-housing ongoing support. This handover may •• Women’s Domestic Violence also include a co-case management Supported accomodation is only one Court Assistance Scheme plan with other services who are element of BWCR. Post crisis, the • working with the family. • Domestic Violence Liaison Officer client’s case management plan informs (DVLO) the following: • Outreach & other supports • Centrelink •• Referrals to counselling, GP’s and •• Community Health other health services. One-on-one community outreach •• Earlystart and Towri preschools •• Housing advocacy, assistance and The purpose of these sessions •• Kelso Public School support including Housing NSW is to provide options for women •• Brighter Futures (FACS) and community housing property experiencing domestic and family applications. violence to move forward with their •• Relationships Australia •• Private rental assistance and lives in an empowering and self Child support advocacy including inspection sufficient, confident manner. The child support worker‘s role is to appointments, attending inspections, Sessions are planned for individual assist children, as clients in their own applications, real estate liaison, needs with a range of counselling right, with self confidence, school budgeting and tenancy support. methods and coaching strategies enrolment, after school programs, •• Assistance with setting up utilities provided to clients. The sessions health and wellbeing, intervention •• Attend charity organisations for provide an opportunity for clients to and referrals where appropriate. donations of furniture, linen, house make informed choice in relation to their individual situation. An initial intake makes referrals and hold items, storage sheds and undertakes goal setting. Referrals removalists. Handover to community outreach •• Court and legal support including may include health (immunization, Clients exiting the refuge are referrals to the local DVLO, baby check, doctors counseling), given information in relation to the WDVCAS, Legal Aid and BWCR education (enrolments, school community outreach program and outreach. This may also include uniforms), parenting (routine charts, how to access the service after leaving accompanying a woman in court. reward charts, information and advice, the refuge. Brighter Futures) and other groups. •• Financial assistance with Centrelink, Referrals for post crisis The worker supports the child, repaying debts/fines, general and their mother, to obtain the budgeting and referrals as required. Referrals are received from a large best outcome for the child. Many •• Linking women with employment variety of community service providers children have witnessed domestic services. Advocating and liaising including both Government and non- and family violence so the child with employers. Connecting women Government agencies. A number of support worker ensures that with TAFE/university and other clients are self-referred. mother and children are safe and training providers. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

20 Bathurst Women & Children’s Refuge

Partners & Our staff Supporters Rae Hopkins Manager Partnerships / Co case Financial Acknowledgements Sandra Doueihi Management •• Commonwealth Bank Team Leader Child Support Worker •• Domestic Violence Hotline •• Country Women’s Association •• Bathurst Family & Community •• Honda Foundation Maureen Connor Community Outreach Worker Services •• Mars Pet Care Bathurst •• NSW Police Force •• Lowes Corporation Yasmin Dowling Crisis Support Worker •• Bathurst Housing Network •• Optus Foundation Administration •• Family Violence Awareness Group •• Burke’s Transport Bathurst Erin Beadman •• Sydney Myer Fund •• WDVCAS Crisis Support Worker • •• Community Health - Bathurst • Clubs NSW •• Quota Club •• Kelso Community Centre •• Lions Club •• Bathurst Family Support Management •• Charles Sturt University Printery •• VERTO •• Ongoing donations from the Committee •• Bathurst TAFE Bathurst community •• Charles Sturt University Marilyn Fogarty Chair •• Bathurst Early Childhood Centre Joy Cavanagh •• Towri Macs - Aboriginal Childcare Treasurer Centre •• EarlyStart Leslie Baker Committee Member •• Bathurst Laundry Maureen Lacey • • Bathurst Explorers Motel Committee Member •• Barnardo’s Mudgee •• Blayney HealthOne •• Bathurst Show Committee •• Allannah Madeline Foundation •• Salvation Army Bathurst •• St Vincents De Paul Bathurst •• Bargain Centre •• Central West Community Op Shop •• Local public primary and high schools in Bathurst and surrounding areas •• Gelin Murdoch Spinks Solicitors •• Busby Medical Practice •• Brighter Futures Bathurst •• Bathurst PCYC •• Bathurst Correctional Centre NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

21 Bourke Women & Children’s Refuge

Overview

What a year it’s been! I would like express my thanks to •• Steve Hogan, Aboriginal Affairs. the following people for their support •• Bourke Mission Australia, Juanita The Bourke Women and Children Safe throughout 2012/13: Knight, Elizabeth Lawrence, Dale House (BWCSH) successfully moved Towns and Emma Mould into our fantastic new premises in •• The newly elected Bourke Steering Mertin St. We are currently utilizing the Committee members, •• Barbara Brown Bloxham residence for our exit house, •• Bourke Women and Children’s Safe Community Services CPO allowing us to work at crisis and House staff members •• Anthony Ronayne: Without medium to also longer term with up to •• Bourke Aboriginal Medical Service Anthony‘s support we would find it hard to be able to consistently move 13 families. •• Maree Murpy, Psychologist forward when it comes to basic Major achievements included: •• Judy Scalari-Gibson, Counselor maintenance. Anthony’s contribution •• The official opening of our new •• Mary Jones Diabetes’s specialist goes far beyond what he is actually premises (December 2012) •• Nikilah Lee, Dietician asked to do for us - thankyou. •• Establishment of the Community •• Bourke Police and past and present The year ahead will be an exciting step Based Steering Committee DVLO’s forward with an increase in programs and partnerships to improve client • •• Ann-Louise Streetstone • BWACSH Manager elected as the outcomes. 2012/13 saw a large •• Dot Martin, Aboriginal Elder Orana Delegate to the DVNSW increase in the number of clients working Party (May 2013) •• Leilani Elwood (residents and outreach) accessing BWACSH works closely with all •• Sally Middleton our service and we anticipate this will relevant services in Bourke and other •• Tehla Weatherall increase even more in the year ahead. regional organisations to achieve •• Bourke Local Aboriginal Reference Mary Ronayne positive outcomes for our clients. group Safer families (LARG) Manager NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

22 Our work

Prevention Early intervention In the 2012/13 year the Bourke The Bourke Women and Children’s Every Girl Born to Fly Safe House is a community centre and Women and Children’s Safe House Ever Girl is Born to Fly workshops women and children’s crisis support undertook a range of prevention aim to empower young women, service in one. actives including but not limited to; increasing their confidence and White Ribbon Day All programs run at the Bourke self esteem. Facilitator Ann Louise Women and Children’s Safe House are Stonestreet runs the workshops We were extremely busy throughout open to all women and children in the periodically from the Safe the 16 days of Activism including community, including clients of other House. The Workshops provide White Ribbon Day. The staff joined service providers working in Bourke. a wonderful opportunity for safe the White Ribbon campaign and house staff to further connect with engaged number of men in the Meet and Greet young women in community and Bourke community to take an oath What began as a morning tea for for these women come to know the to speak out against domestic and BWCSH residents to help break safe house as place they can visit family violence. isolation has evolved into a morning at any time for support and advice. Respectful Relationships tea open to BWACSH residents and the clients of our partnered In partnership with the Bourke service providers. Police and Bourke local football club, BWCSH organised a The morning teas are an opportunity combined touch footy game for clients accessing a range between local police and young services to come together for a cup men. The event aimed to build of tea, establishing peer support relationships between local police networks and meeting the staff from and community as well as raise a range of different services . awareness around what constitutes The meet and greets are often a respectful healthy relationship. attended by AMS counselors, dietitians NAIDOC Week and the diabetic specialist team. We actively participated in all Photography Awareness NAIDOC week celebrations and The Photography Awareness course contributed by offering transport was run out of the Bourke Women to community elders to to the and Children’s Safe House over 10 NAIDOC Events. consecutive weeks. Disability Week Staff from BWCSH and Mission We partnered with other local Australia were the main facilitators service providers for Disability Week to the program and clients from activities, and hosted a morning tea Bourke Community, Mission Australia for community members. young mothers group and BWACSH outreach and accommodated clients attendedand participated in the classes. The classes provided an opportunity for workers from a range of services and women and children in the community to get to know each other in a fun, friendly and non-intimidating environment while learning some great new skills. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

23 Crisis Support & Intensive, Individualised Case Post Crisis Management Rapid re-housing Outreach & other supports BWACSH is open Monday – Friday Bourke Women and Children’s Weekly planning forms are 8:30am – 5pm and has a 24 hr/ 7 Safe House assists women with completed, with client consent. day a week on-call service Housing NSW and local real •• Food bank estate applications, including Our 24 hour hotline number is Food and fruit donations have gathering documentation required distributed widely in community. been supplied to outreach in the process of gaining their clients especially Elders and We offer a range of accommodation independent housing. grandmothers with overflow for options including We accommodate clients for terms the week or weekend 2 x Crisis Units for stays ranging up to 12 months in a 3 month lease •• Women’s self esteem group from 1 night to 12 weeks block until availability of sustainable We are also currently working with: independent housing has been gained. 2 x 2 bedroom transitional units •• Mission Australia available for stays up to 6 months Intense case management is •• Elizabeth Lawrence Photography provided in the home to the 1 x 4 bedroom exit house for clients •• Juanita Knight, Build a Bag ready for increased independence family in regards to keeping the •• Aboriginal Medical Service and stays of up to 6 months tenancy through Basic Living skill – Monitoring R&M Garden and lawns, Judy Scalari-Gibson, Counsellor Case Management referral to easy pay for rent and Maree Murphy, Psychologist Mary Jones, Diabetes specialist The Bourke Women and Children’s electricity and advocacy and liaison Nikala Lee, Dietician Safe House provides intensive for client to stabilize all tenancy case management to women and issues through the exiting process. •• Community Health Child and children accessing the Safe House Family Nurse in accordance with the elements of •• Mental Health team case management: •• Bourke Public School Aboriginal •• Entry and assessment Aide •• Case planning •• St Ignatius School CFW Book Fair •• Direct service and implementation •• St Ignatius canteen roster •• Coordination of services and •• Centacare: support Budgeting •• Monitoring and review Non-interest loans (NILS) Food Vouchers •• Exit planning and transition Positive Parenting program •• Follow up and evaluation. •• Richmond PRA We work closely with partner Cooking organizations in the region to co Arts and Craft groups case manage where appropriate. •• Case Management with all services. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

24 Bourke Women & Children’s Safe House

Partners & Our staff Supporters •• DVNSW Working Party Mary Ronayne •• BWCSH Governing Committee Manager • •• Orana Far West Safe Houses • Bourke Local Aboriginal Reference Julie Payne Network Group (LARG) • Child Focused Worker •• Rebecca Camillieri • Bourke Case Coordination Group Regional Domestic Violence •• Bourke Issues Panel Joanne Edwards Coordinator Western Region •• Bourke Aboriginal Community Cleaner •• Barbara Brown Working Party Elizabeth Orcher Community Services •• Bourke Community Health Team Relief Worker •• Mark Shirvashidze •• Bourke Aboriginal Health Service Hayley Orcher Partner and Planning Director •• Bourke Mental Health Team Administration (to July 2013) Community Services Michelle Hines Crisis Worker (to April 2013)

BWCSH Steering Committee

Bonnie Souter DVNSW representative Ann King Lightning Ridge Safe House Regional Representative Eunice Orcher Bourke Community Member Kelly Edwards Bourke Police Youth Liaison Officer NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

25 Delvena Women & Children’s Refuge

Overview

What a year it’s been! Delvena has had a number of staff streamlines access to services to changes. Amanda Looby our current better meet client’s needs and provide Along with Delvena’s core business outreach worker has replaced Tania a stronger focus on early intervention we have had governance and staff Smith. Michelle Hoogester is our new and prevention. It is an exciting changes, Going Home Staying crisis worker replacing Lisa Natoli venture and hopefully all will go well in Home (GHSH) Reforms and the and Lisa has transferred back to child the year ahead. Haven project. support. Shereen Laing is now our As always, our core work takes team leader. precedence over everything else. Mary Allbon In line with the GHSH reforms, The team have worked diligently in Delvena, Dolores and Elsie refuges Manager providing services to meet the needs are currently working together of Delvena’s clients and I would like to develop a service model that to thank them for a job well done. I would also like to acknowledge our previous management committee and thank them for their support. The most significant highlight for this year was the completion of the Haven Project. The project achieved its aims and provided a beautiful place where fear and tensions are dispelled and women and children can reside in comfort in dignified surroundings. The renovation and refurbishment has made Delvena more homely and user friendly. The bedrooms and common areas a warm and welcoming. The gardens are lovely and provide a number of areas where women and children can play and relax. The child support room was given a fresh coat of paint and some new furniture as well as lots of new play equipment. The offices were revamped giving staff a better area to work in. Delvena would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Elizabeth Broderick, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner and her team for their work in making the refuge a much nicer place that reflects “Dignity and Respect” for all users of the service. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

26 Our work Crisis Support & Intensive, Prevention Early intervention Individualised Case The following prevention activities In order to reduce the risk of are undertaken by Delvena staff. homelessness, Delvena uses a case Management •• DV Network Committees management approach to identify the needs of women and children to •• Talks to local groups – Delvena can accommodate five Soroptimists, Zonta, Rotary and provide the required support. women and up to 13 children. We other relevant groups have five bedrooms, two kitchens Staff ensure that women have and a shared dining room, lounge •• Stop DV stalls in local shopping access to information that can help and laundry. centre them understand the implications of Women have access to a computer • • White Ribbon breakfasts abuse and assist with strategies and which they use to search for private •• Ensuring that community supports to avoid future incidents. rental properties, access emails, groups and relevant services Centrelink and bank accounts. have specific domestic violence Services may include: Delvena also has a space called the information available •• Court support, advocacy and Blue Room, which child support staff •• Parenting programs and referrals assistance with legal issues use when working with the children. •• Outreach support •• Assistance with visa issues The room is equipped with toys, and referrals to Department of craft, books, a TV and computer. •• Art Therapy for women & children Immigration Crisis support workers provide •• Relationships Australia - Healthy •• Access to programs facilitated guidance and assistance to help Relationship Forum at the refuge such as art therapy transition women and their children •• Lower North Shore Child and and protective behaviours into the community. Family Interagency •• Information and referrals to Case managers will also assist •• Centrelink network meetings services as required women with referrals and •• Parenting support and programs information about other services which may be needed to help meet •• Assistance accessing counselling case plan goals e.g. a woman may or mental health services need access to a psychologist, a financial counsellor, parenting groups or legal advice. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

27 Post Crisis

Rapid re-housing Outreach & other supports During a woman’s time at the Delvena provides post crisis refuge, case workers assist women support to women and their with seeking medium to long children that includes: term accommodation through •• Case management for follow-up Housing NSW, Community housing support including home visits, providers, private rental properties information and referrals or Delvena’s exit properties. •• Access to counselling services at the refuge •• Support with family law and other legal issues, child support, tenancy, budgeting immigration and visa issues •• Linkages to programs/services •• Therapy Groups and other information on relevant groups in the community •• Social activities at the refuge such as school holiday program, barbecues and outings NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

28 Delvena Women & Children’s Refuge

Partners & Our staff

Supporters Mary Allbon Manager •• Relationships Australia Lane Cove •• Tran cultural Mental Health Shereen Laing •• Lane Cove Early Childhood Service Team Leader/Crisis Worker Centre •• Ryde Family Support •• Lane Cove Occasional Care •• Northern Sydney Tenants Service Michelle Hoogester Crisis Worker •• Lane Cove Council •• Chatswood High School •• Link Housing •• Lane Cove West Public School Tempest Waters Child Support •• Ryde Housing •• Hunters Hill High School •• Centrelink •• St Vincent De Paul Lisa Natoli Child Support •• FACS •• Salvation Army •• DV Hotline •• Human Rights Commission – Amanda Looby Outreach •• WDVCAS Elizabeth Broderick • •• Chatswood and Dee Why police • C3 Church (Financial Services and other support services) •• Lower North Shore Child at Risk • Network • Zonta • Management •• Women’s Legal Resource Centre • Ladies Choir Barker College • •• Cominos Lawyers • Streetsmart Committee • •• Centacare, Waitara and • Avondale Golf Club Sharon Mercer Naremburn offices Committee member •• Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Service Vicki Quinlan Committee member •• Royal North Shore Hospital •• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team •• Horizons Community Legal Centre NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

29 Dolores Single Women’s Refuge

Overview

Throughout 2012/13, the focus for targeting women experiencing DFV clients with limited housing options Dolores Single Women’s Refuge and we operate at full capacity. available can be very challenging. has been strengthening our Most clients present with complex Staff would like to acknowledge partnerships with relevant services issues as a result of domestic the tremendous amount of to further develop an integrated and family violence including support from Amy Simmons, case management model providing homelessness, mental health, drug WRM Business Centre Manager a wrap-around approach for women and alcohol and immigration to and Tracy Howe, WRM CEO and accessing our service. One of the name a few. her team. The organization has many benefits of this model is that Staff provide intensive strengths- undertaken a transitional period it prevents women from having to based case management that of restructure which has already re-tell their story to numerous times involves advocacy and referral had significant and positive results to a variety of services. in assisting clients to meet for women and children escaping Toegther with Elsie Women’s their individual needs. As a domestic and family violence. Refuge and Delvena Women and result, women gain a sense of Our team would like to thank our Children’s Refuge, we are in the empowerment which provides them management committee for all of process of developing a network an opportunity to make positive, the support over the years. to support these partnerships and informed decisions and move establishing a central access point forward with their lives. Many thanks also to Tracy Morgan (Resource Centre) to facilitate a ‘no our CPO and Drusilla Pana our Our team work closely with St wrong door’ approach. dedicated book-keeper. Vincent Hospiatl’s counselling The WRM Business Centre service where the majority of clients I would like to acknowledge our Manager was successful in her are referred post-intake as a priority wonderful and supportive team application of Going Home Staying who work tirelessly in meeting the Our service continues to work Home IDF funding a consultant for needs of our clients. I am very with a high percentage of women the project and the three services proud of their achievements and escaping domestic violence who have employed Narelle Hand to the high level of dedication and are without permanent residence. further assist with implementation. professionalism. Staff have recently noticed a To date we have submitted two change in the response from Dolores Single Women’s Refuge funding grant applications to the Department of Immigration, would not be the service it is support the establishment of the requiring women who have fled without the team who work here. It Resource Centre. violence to produce significant has been an honor and pleasure to All services are very excited about evidence and documentation work alongside my colleagues who the integrated approach and new supporting the relationship existed are truly dedicated and committed service model. With a Resource - even with a final AVO in place. in helping our clients in achieving a Centre, we envisage that there will better life. We acknowledge the housing crisis be an increase in service delivery and the systemic issues related capacity to vulnerable families, with to the lack of housing. The new a clear focus of reducing the risk of Karen Gardener model of service delivery is one homelessness. Manager way of addressing these complex Dolores is one of only three single issues for clients exiting the service. women’s refuges in Sydney Having a high percentage of NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

30 Our work

Prevention Early intervention Dolores is active in the local Both centres have reported Dolores engages clients at risk community and undertakes a range the advantages in having a DV of homelessness and domestic of prevention activities including but specialist service facilitating the and family violence through our not limited to: DV program. On completion, outreach program. This intervention Love Bites participants receive an attendance may give a family information and certificate and celebrate this support to prevent them becoming Our service continues to engage achievement with an end of term homeless by engaging them with the facilitation of the Love luncheon provided by our service. with services before they are at Bites initiative. imminent risk. White Ribbon Day DV Prevention Groups Dolores Single Women’s Refuge Our outreach program provides Dolores has successfully facilitated is committed to supporting White access and referral pathways to domestic violence prevention groups Ribbon Day with a view to increasing women at risk of homelessness for a number of years at William community awareness about with one on one support and Booth Rehabilitation Centre and domestic and family violence and its referral to relevant services. Women and Girls Emergency Centre. affects on women and children. Our strong partnerships result in us being able to offer more integrated service provision to reduce the risk of homelessness and domestic and violence for women. Dolores is entering into a new partnership with Bondi Beach Cottage. Together we will be facilitating a women’s group with a focus on early intervention and prevention, assisting women to gain vital knowledge about domestic and family violence, encouraging them to make informed decisions in their lives. Dolores staff are on the rosters for the local Women’s Domestic Violence Court Support Scheme (WDVCAS) and the Women’s Family Law Support Scheme (WFLSS). Women who present at the safe room within the court are able to access our service and be provided outreach case management. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

31 Crisis Support Post Crisis & Intensive, Rapid re-housing Individualised Case Dolores supports a number of women leaving crisis into Management transitional housing. We have a partnership with Women’s Housing We support single women escaping Dolores works with many service Company and women may stay at domestic violence at the refuge for a providers to address the range allocated properties for up to 18 period of up to eight weeks. of client needs and provide an months. Additionally, women who integrated response. We value the are not permanent residents are Dolores workers use a strengths contribution of those services we able to access the properties based case management model work in collaboration with including: to to meet the client’s immediate We have recently formed a and longer term needs. This •• Department of Immigration partnership with Marion Villa who client centered approach to case •• St Vincent’s Hospital Community have a transitional house for women management empowers clients Health (counselling) awaiting permanent residency. A to make positive change in their •• St Vincent’s Hospital Sexual Dolores outreach worker supports lives with staff providing support Assault Unit the women whilst in transition in and encouragement to clients in •• St Vincent (transitional housing PR looking for long term housing. achieving their goals. program) The most effective outcome for •• Uplift (psychology) Outreach & other supports clients with complex needs is to •• Prince of Wales Hospital Kiloh Our outreach worker supports women work with other services and develop Centre (mental health) who relocate to our exit units where we co-case management approaches to have a formal partnership agreement • ensure there are no gaps of service • Bondi Beach Cottage (mindfulness with Women’s Housing Company who for the client and more importantly, groups) provide properties for a period of up to no overlaps in delivery of service to •• Dr Rita (local GP providing 18 months. the same client. healthcare plans) Outreach support includes but is not • • Redfern Legal Centre limited to: • • Maloney Lawyers (family law) •• Long term housing support • • YWCA (brokerage) •• Court Support • • NSW Police (AVO support and •• Family Law Court Support retrievals) •• Budgeting assistance •• Department of Housing •• Educational support and referral •• Community Housing •• Employment assistance/referral •• WISH (transitional supported • housing) • Immigration support/information • •• Relationships Australia • Centrelink and income support • •• FACIA (children’s court) • Health and well being support and referral •• Domestic violence support group •• Recreational activities •• Drug and alcohol support services •• Life skills and independent living skills programs •• Sustainable tenancy program NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

32 Dolores Single Women’s Refuge

Partners & Our staff

Supporters Karen Gardener Manager A huge thank you to the many Margaret Nolan service providers and organisations Team Leader who continue to co-case manage and support our clients throughout Nardine Simms the year. Aboriginal Worker •• St Vincent’s Hospital Counselling Debbie Clarke Service Outreach Worker •• Uplift psychology Sarah Doyle •• Dr Rita Women’s Support •• Mental Health Team (Kiloh Centre) Rosemary Cunningham (retired) •• Centrelink (social work team) Women’s Support •• Bondi Beach Cottage Narelle Hand •• St Vincent DePaul Project Officer •• Oz Harvest •• Waverley Drug and Alcohol •• Mahoney Family Lawyers Management •• Women’s Housing Company •• William Booth Committee •• Women and Girls Emergency Centre Sally Steele •• YWCA Chair •• Maroubra Department of Housing Maureen Lacy •• WISH (transitional housing) Treasurer •• St Vincents (transitional PR Vicki Quinlan Housing) Committee Member •• St George Housing Company •• Samaritan House •• Killara Women and Children’s Refuge •• Jean’s Place •• Redfern Legal Centre •• Kingsford Legal Centre •• Immigration Rights and Advice NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

33 Elsie Women’s Refuge

Overview

It’s been a year of exciting growth These women and children are I’d like to thank all of our wonderful here at Elsie Women’s Refuge. even further disadvantaged than staff, our outgoing Management other clients, suffering severe Committee, the NSW WRM Business In collaboration with Dolores Single financial hardship with few - if any - Centre and Office - I am lucky to be Women’s Refuge and Delvena housing options available to them. surrounded by dedicated, passionate Women’s Refuge we are in the process professionals who work tirelessly in We have also seen an increase in of extending our crisis service provision the field of violence prevention. to provide a more comprehensive, clients with complex needs. These innovative service model. clients often present with issues While it is a challenging climate including drug and alcohol and/ for us all with regards to the many Strengthening partnerships in our or mental health that can often be reforms we face, we are enthusiastic region to provide best practice, directly related to the domestic about the future and look forward wrap-around services for women violence they have endured. to continuing to provide high quality and children experiencing DFV, the specialist domestic violence services. project plans to open a ’one-stop- Elsie received a grant from the City shop’ in a central Inner City/Metro of Sydney for approximately $44k location. Project Officer Narelle to complete refurbishment of the Tania Smith Hand is working with us, applying property which began in 2012. Manager for grants and meeting with potential partners, to ensure the success of the project. We have recently expanded our outreach to include the coordination of the Women’s Family Law Support Service which we operate in partnership with the Sydney Family Law Court. Elsie’s Assistant Manager, Hazel Cowan is currently acting in the role of Coordinator of the WFLSS which we seek to expand and develop with the support of DVNSW members and Warringa Baiya. This important addition to the Elsie service model will serve as another point of access for women and children experiencing d&fv to link in with the variety of supports we provide in collaboration with our partner services.Accessing safe and affordable housing remains a significant issue for our clients however we have had an increase in clients who do not have permanent resident status in Australia. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

34 Our work

Prevention Love Bites Elsie’s is the convener of the Inner Community Awareness Project It Stops Here West Love Bites Committee. The Elsie’s is actively involved in numerous Elsie’s has actively sought to engage Committee has recently been granted community awareness projects that in the development of the NSW $20K from Family and Community stem from our involvement on various Domestic Violence Framework It Stops Services to deliver training to the interagency networks. Here, attending consultation sessions sector, and also roll out the program in and submitting a response (as well the local area. To name a few, we recently took as one on behalf of the Leichardt up the appointment of Chair of the Our workers continue to be seconded Marrickville DV Committee). Leichardt Marrickville Domestic to other Love Bites programs, Violence Committee, we sit on the delivered in areas including Mascot Non-sector service training Sydney Women’s Homeless Alliance, and Northern Sydney. Elsie’s specialist workers often are active on the Lower North Shore provide training, and information We are an integral part of the Northern Domestic Violence Network and are sessions to local services, such as Sydney Love Bites Committee and a member of the LGBTIQ Interagency TAFE, and Housing NSW. Workers continue to work closely with services at ACON. have also talked to local community on the North Shore to coordinate and We support many and varied groups such as Rotary and the roll out Love Bites in the area. prevention and awareness raising Soroptimists to help raise awareness We currently have a student, Jo Ioanis, initiatives such as the 16 Days of outside the sector. who is completing her Diploma in Activism to Prevent Violence Against Community Services at TAFE. Her Women, White Ribbon Day, NAIDOC placement project is to assist both week and the Sydney Gay & Lesbian committees in approaching potential Mardis Gras and Fair Day. schools, applying for grants and utilising existing funds to deliver Love DV Violence Response Group Bites in up to four high schools over Elsie Women’s Refuge hosts the bi- the next twelve months. monthly Domestic Violence Response Group meeting at our service. This All Children Being Safe meeting brings together Police from We have recently had all our staff four Local Area Commands, Glebe, trained in the new program All Children Newtown, Leichardt and Marrickville Being Safe for primary school children. and is strongly represented by the We are hoping to work in conjunction DVLO’s and their Crime Commanders with Glebe Public school to roll out from these regions. Other members the program and also train up their of the group are WDVCAS, DVPASS, teachers so they can deliver it as part Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s of the standard curriculum. Legal Centre, Regional Domestic Violence Coordinators, among others. This meeting is pivotal in networking with the variety of services who respond to Domestic Violence in the Inner West and is an important forum for us to voice our concerns and issues that can arise from time to time. It is also an opportunity to review Yellow Card statistics and other Police data around assaults and ADVO’s. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

35 Early intervention Family Law support Our staff continue their secondment and externally at the Newtown and children with incredible results. to the Women’s Domestic Violence Neighbourhood Centre. Quality The groups are extremely well Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) information around domestic and received by women and children, as well as the Women’s Family Law family violence awareness is also and are an alternative intensive Support Service (WFLSS). provided to the Glebe Parents and therapeutic intervention to the Group in co-ordination with Glebe standard “talking” models. Elsie’s provides a comprehensive Community Centre. outreach program that target Information and referral clients who may be experiencing Groups We provide an information and domestic violence or at risk of Other groups that we run in house referral service to our outreach homelessness. but are available to non-residents clients, and other workers in We have an experienced are Protective Behaviors and Trauma the sector, with a strong focus Community Development team, Informed Care/Art Therapy Groups, on prevention of homelessness one of whom is a specialist one for children, and one for mothers. and on early intervention across Aboriginal Worker. The team runs the Sydney Metro LHD. There We are lucky enough to still have domestic and family violence is a focus on a ‘no wrong door’ the amazing Roberta Meares who awareness groups both internally coordinated referral pathway, this continues to work with both women includes but is not limited to: NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

36 Elsie Women’s Refuge

•• Integrated case management; Inner West DV Pro-Active •• Individualised ‘client led’ Support Service responses to need; and We also partner with Marrickville •• Improved capacity to engage Legal Centre to support the clients in long term sustainable coordinator of the Inner West housing and housing supports. Domestic Violence Pro-Active Support Service. Taking Responsibility program The coordinator works out of Elsie’s sits on an evaluation group Elsie’s one afternoon per week and for Relationships Australia’s we provide her with peer support Taking Responsibility program. An and access to our resources as accredited and respected Men’s required. Behaviour Change Program, the group meets at the completion of We are in the process of formalising the 18 week intensive program. partnership agreements with the following services: We discuss the outcomes and make recommendations for any •• Detour House improvements or additions. It is •• Stepping Out a valuable process as ultimately •• Marrickville Council – Child and these courses can lead to the Family Strategic Projects Area improvement of safety for women •• Glebe Youth Services and children. •• Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Sydney Women’s Homeless •• Women’s Community Shelters Alliance •• Guthrie House Elsie’s has seconded our •• Cominos Family Lawyers community development team to a joint venture with Sydney Women’s •• Lyndal Gowland Solicitors Homeless Alliance, the Pathways Support Project. This project supports women and children in the very early stages of them accessing temporary accommodation. Clients are referred to the project by Housing NSW and receive a one off appointment that provides information and referral and a small amount of brokerage if required. Elsie’s often provides outreach services and information and referral to clients in temporary accomodation. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

37 Crisis Support Post Crisis & Intensive, Rapid re-housing, outreach Individualised Case & other supports Rapid re-housing is concerned with Management minimising the time spent being homeless. Our workers are trained Elsie’s has six rooms available in the We aim to achieve consistently high to respond quickly to individual refuge as crisis accommodation standards of ethics and behaviour in needs and assist clients to access for women and children escaping all work with clients, the organisation Housing NSW products and domestic violence, at capacity we and community partners. Elsi’e programs that aim to end the cycle accommodate sixteen children. Staff provides assistance with: of homelessness. are specialist domestic violence •• Assistance with ADVO workers, well trained in a trauma As mentioned earlier, Elsie’s works informed approach and experienced applications and court processes with the Sydney Women’s Homeless in responding to various complex •• Assistance with Family Law Alliance on the Pathways Support issues that our clients present with. •• Immigration advocacy Project, supporting women and children in the very early stages •• Housing needs Our case management approach of them accessing temporary is based on the client-centered •• Centrelink and financial isues accommodation. It is our intention practice: this means keeping •• Victims Service product advocacy that once funding for the project has the focus on the client’s wishes, •• Health and wellbeing been exhausted, Elsie’s will endeavour needs and aspirations. It gives a to continue accepting referrals from •• Children’s advocacy and child caseworker flexibility to work with the Housing NSW and supporting women centered approaches client in a partnership that results in with temporary accommodation. responses that address their specific •• Specialist group work We manage a four bedroom needs in a way they accept. •• Training to external practitioners property in Petersham that offers and services transitional housing for our clients if •• Mental Health advocacy available and appropriate. •• Drug and Alcohol advocacy We are in partnership with Detour •• Advice, advocacy and referral for House, Link Housing, St George CALD and Aboriginal clients Women’s Housing, Bonnies Refuge, •• Parenting programs and and Bridge Community Housing. nutritional information for parents These services are extremely supportive of our clients and we often receive transitional housing through them. Eligible clients have also secured rental properties through the Housing NSW products such as Start Safely and Rent Start. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

38 Elsie Women’s Refuge

Partners & Our staff

Supporters Tania Smith Interim Manager •• Jamie Parker, MP Hazell Cowen •• Rotary Marian Villa Refuge has been very Assistant Manager supportive of accommodating our •• Soroptimists Domestic Violence Specialist clients who do not have permanent •• Redfern Occasional Care residency in their medium term Aggie Hatata housing service in Randwick. •• Glebe Primary School Team Leader •• Centipede After School Care Domestic Violence Specialist Our outreach program also supports our clients who have •• Leichardt High School Michal Hopa moved into transitional or private •• Glebe Assistance Partnership Domestic Violence Specialist rental accommodation – within an Programme (GAPP) accessible geographical area. For Talisha Milligan •• Jane Koholoff (Psychologist) clients moving out of area, we refer Community Development Officer •• Oz Harvest to appropriate services. Morganne Blackburn •• Anne Summers Elsie’s is committed to supporting Aboriginal Community Development women and children post crisis and •• NSW Police Officer recognise that needs will vary. We •• Glebe Family Medical Practice Narelle Hand have an open door policy and all •• Leichardt Women’s Health Project Officer clients are welcome to contact us once they have exited our outreach •• NSW Domestic Violence Line Eliza Cannon program (approximately 18 months Child Support to 2 years). Lauren Sics Elsie’s provides outreach services, Child Support information and referral to clients in Kayla Tidyman temporary accommodation. Child Support Roberta Meares Trauma Informed Counselling Art Therapy Melanie Lovelock Casual Brenda Roberts Bookkeeper

Management Committee

Marilyn Fogarty Chair Charmaine Anderson Secretary Vicki Quinlan Committee Member Sharon Mercer Committee Member NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

39 Forbes WomenWomen’s & RefugeChildren’s Refuge

Overview

Forbes Women’s Refuge continues to and/or alcohol addiction, mental I wish to acknowledge staff and work towards the provision of services health issues, education and their dedication in providing the best to women with or without children employment opportunities, safe possible service with their knowledge whose lives have been affected by housing, income support and the role and professional attitude to our client domestic violence and homelessness. of women and children in society. group. I believe that commitment and dedication to the women and children In the last 12 months the refuge has Work also continues on the we support can only lead to future endeavoured to meet the needs of negotiation of partnerships and new positive and exciting outcomes. the target group and with an on-call initiatives to further the growth and 24 hour crisis service to, either by sustainability of the refuge to respond referral from agencies or self-referral, to the demands of the complex Daleanne Haynes assist some women who fall outside environment that is always changing Manager of the target group. and the GHSH Reforms. The refuge continues to be involved in Our refuge was again scoped this issues that affect women and children year and at last was successful in a rural setting. It is important to in gaining some much needed raise public awareness of issues of upgrades. Work on this project domestic violence, sexual abuse, commenced in May and will continue homelessness, family conflict, drug on into the next financial year. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

40 Our work

Prevention Forbes Women’s Refuge participating in all activities planned by The program covers a wide range participates in a range of strategies each committee. We also auspice the of topics that pertain to domestic to raise awareness of domestic and Forbes Domestic Violence Prevention and family violence with Solicitors family violence and homelessness committee. from Binaal Billa Aboriginal Legal Service attending to assist in the within the area, some of these The Forbes committee this year session on legal issues surrounding include the following. focused on the 16 Days of Activism domestic violence. Love Bites where numerous articles on domestic and family violence were contributed There were six women who Refuge staff have been involved to the local media throughout the 16 commenced the six week program in the Love Bites program since days. Many community members were with five women completing it. its inception, with staff members shocked to be told that Forbes was Participant evaluation feedback being some of the first in the area to number six per capita in the state for was extremely positive. complete the training. domestic violence incidents. Women’s Group Programs were delivered in both The Parkes committee focused on Parkes and Forbes High Schools The Forbes Women’s Refuge facilitating the Lovebites program in conjunction with their respective holds a women’s support group which we were a huge part of, with Domestic Violence committees. fortnightly where a range of staff from the Refuge facilitating the activities take place. The target groups for both majority of the Domestic violence side programs was Year 10. Feedback of the program. This year we have offered the Triple from the schools and students P Parenting program to participants The Forbes Women’s Refuge feel it extremely positive. as well as a group on budgeting. is important to remain a part of these White Ribbon Day committees working alongside other We have also worked closely with like-minded Services in bringing Outreach workers from Lyndon Refuge staff organised a stall community awareness of Domestic Community (drug and alcohol) who down the main street of town with and family violence to the area. ran a program called “How to drug- information and pamphlets on what proof your kids”. White Ribbon Day was all about. Staff from the Refuge have attended some Community We once again ran a sewing White ribbons were handed out Information Days within our region. program for our women who made to the community for free with an These are found to be beneficial for their own curtains. Most of the explanation about the White Ribbon information sharing and networking women attending our groups find Day pledge. People were asked to with the added benefit that woman these sessions enjoyable as they sign the pledge that we had written can easily access the information don’t get the chance to participate on a large sign that they would not they may need without being in sewing classes for free and have commit, ignore or condone violence obvious within small communities. expressed an interest in these against women and children. activities continuing. Ribbons were also distributed around Early intervention Morning tea, transport and the businesses of town and staff spoke Our service employs an Intervention/ childcare are always provided for to the local media about domestic Prevention worker to provide support these groups. violence and what the community can to women in the community and do as a whole to try and eradicate Triple P Parenting Groups are also deliver group programs. domestic and family violence. run throughout the year and when Domestic Violence Education the need arises we run weekly one Forbes and Parkes Domestic Program on one sessions for those not able Violence Prevention Committees to participate in a group. This program was compiled for use in We have been involved in both the a pilot program with LAC Police last Forbes and Parkes Domestic Violence year was utilised at the refuge this year Prevention Committees since their where the program was facilitated. inception and are extremely active in NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

41 Crisis Support & Intensive, Individualised Case Management

We provide crisis accommodation to When working with a client, our case Child Support staff work to model women with or without dependent manager both co-ordinates existing positive interaction to assist building children who are escaping domestic resources and utilises a wide range support networks for both mums or family violence, or who are of other services, linking the client in and their children, empowering homeless or who are at serious risk of with any appropriate service providers women to have positive and nurturing becoming homeless. with the view to helping the client to relationships with their children. effectively reduce and/or overcome A 24 hour service, we always have Women and children who are staying barriers. In doing this, our staff have a staff member on call that is able with our service are offered assistance created strong partnerships with NSW to intake clients outside ordinary with any and all barriers that they may Police, Binaal Billa (family law legal business hours should a woman be struggling with in their lives. service), Centrecare, Family Referral require emergency accommodation. Service, Family Support Service, Our staff are commonly assisting Our service has two ‘single’ and FACS and Housing NSW. clients with: financial and budgeting two ‘family’ rooms available (all assistance, child support and in- Child support is an essential and fully furnished), with single rooms house parenting programs, in-house valued service provided for our in- accommodating 2-3 people and domestic violence and relationship house child residents. Each child’s family rooms able to sleep 4-5. Clients programs, educational and training individual needs are catered for within pay 25% of their total income by way assistance, housing and legal issues, a comfortable supportive environment of fees. Fees cover accommodation referrals to mental health services and we encourage mothers to work and general living expenses including and general health practitioners, with their child and staff to develop a food, water and electricity. addiction, interpreting services and case plan to meet their child’s needs. local transport. Whilst women are staying at our service we provide them with support through holistic case management to assist them overcome the barriers in their lives. Our case management is individual, with our case manager modifying her approach to suit each different client after conducting a ‘barriers and needs assessment’. We believe that the holistic case management provided by our service enhances self-care and self determination within the women we work with, thus better enabling them to be able to ‘stand on their own two feet’ and see beyond domestic violence or homelessness. Case management provides continuity of appropriate care and is reliable - offering much needed structure. It maximises independence through enhancing capacity and is generally a client focused approach aimed at empowering and working with clients to effectively meet their needs. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

42 Forbes Women’s Refuge

Post Crisis Partners & Staff

Supporters Daleanne Haynes Rapid re-housing, outreach Manager •• Parkes Quota Club & other supports Cathie Schatz •• Allanah and Madeline Foundation As most of our clients have high and Intervention/ Prevention Worker complex needs, we endeavour to (Buddy Bags) Sharon Davis engage as many services needed •• Forbes Uniting Church Ladies Crisis Worker to cater to these needs, working to Fellowship achieve the goals set within case •• Clergy of Forbes, Parkes and the Rebecca Palenapi-Pilli management surrounding district Child Support Worker Close working relationships have •• St Vincent de Paul Brenda Roberts been established with the available •• Havannah House Book keeper services in our region to enable •• Forbes Local Business Houses (to Feb 2013) to assist women with post crisis •• CWA Ladies, Forbes Parkes and and outreach support. Some of Bedgerabong the services include Community Management Health, Mental Health, Housing NSW •• Forbes and Parkes District Community Housing, Centrelink, Hospital Committee Police and Centacare. •• Western Area Health We have an informal arrangement •• Binnal Billa Family Violence Yvonne Wilson with Housing NSW that when Prevention Legal Service Chair they place a client in Temporary Carrol Farlow Accommodation, the Refuge offers Secretary wrap around services to that women. Appropriate assistance is given to Sally Steele meet the needs of that woman/ Treasurer woman and children. Rapid re-housing is always a challenge, with three mines in our immediate region. These mines make the rental market very competitive and increasingly expensive which is an added constraint on women with low incomes. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

43 ForbesKempsey Women Women’s & Children’s Refuge Refuge

Overview

This reporting period has been a I would like to thank the outgoing an amazing year in so many ways, with time of positive growth for Kempsey management committee. Without their a solid, committed and united group Women’s Refuge (KWR) with ongoing support and commitment to with boundless energy and ideas. myself and staff, our work would not change across the sector. In its Finally, I would like to to acknowledge be possible. They truly go above and third year of expansion, the service our staff. The team has grown to eight beyond, overseeing management has consolidated its position in the over the past year and what a team: of the service with professionalism, community and region as a client strong, vocal, committed and client insight, empathy and intelligence… focused leader in domestic and focused. Driven by a determination to thank you all! family violence support, systems create ‘a safer place ’ for women and and outcomes. To the Business Centre Manager, Amy children and ensure ALL women are The launch of the Speak Out 4 Kids Simmons and your team - you have treated with dignity and given a voice (SO4K) in partnership with Kempsey been integral to the year’s successes. in their own journey. Your skill, communication, dignity and Family Support Service was the The last word is for the women and insights paved the was for this year’s highlight of our year and has seen the children we support. Every single day achievements - congratulations and local gap in supports for children 0-12 we are reminded of why we choose thank you all. impacted by DFV filled. to do this work - the amazing women Other highlights included: To the team at the Office of the and children we meet, their strength, •• Three staff completed Diploma WRM, congratulations on a year of resilience and humour in the face of studies and five others are currently enormous change and your dedication overwhelming adversity, we are so undertaking Degrees or Diplomas. to member services, members and privileged to work among them! ultimately our clients, well done! •• Integrated and comprehensive ‘wrap around supports’ for women To our partners across the sector and June Wilson and children with partner agencies within the Macleay Valley, it has been Manager utilising areas of expertise to create sound outcomes. •• Solid partnerships within the community across a variety of fields to address the impacts of DFV and client outcomes. •• Transition to a new financial model as managed by WRM. Challenges continue for women and children who have experienced DFV in the region. KWR and its partners continue to advocate for more integrated responses, focused on improving safety for women and their children, and holding perpetrators accountable. Also, the need for consistent police responses and increased access to temporary and long term housing options. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

44 Our work

Prevention A wide range of activities, training chosen by a panel. One woman and people on the street to take and community events were named ‘Woman of the Macleay’ by the pledge. Local female Aboriginal coordinated by the service, with staff the Mayor of Kempsey who spoke Elders attended, together with also undertaking individual projects passionately about the impacts of other Aboriginal services in town working with the broader community, violence on women not only in our creating a solid platform and service sector and clients. community, but across the world. commitment to reducing violence towards women in this community. Transition to Independent Living Over 100 people attended the Allowance (TILA) celebrations for singing, drumming Speak Out 4 Kids Project and food. Information from a wide Two staff coordinate this program This newly funded project in range of services was available in partnership with Kempsey Family with young women and men to a positive, non-threatening forum. ensure they are able to access these Support Services, provided Women Broad media coverage highlighted and Kids Can training to 33 one off Centrelink funds to set up the event and its outcomes. independent living, thus reducing the community workers including nine risks of homelessness due to lack Love Bites ATSI and one CALD worker. of resources and to ensure rental Two staff coordinate the sub- Creative Art Therapy training was payments are met. committee that oversees the undertaken by ten community TILA provides the opportunity for delivery of this program across the workers including three ATSI staff. young women to develop a positive Macleay Valley. Staff organised Group facilitation training was connection and awareness of the Love Bites training for 15 new provided to 15 local organisations. role of the refuge; if a relationship workers in the sector. KWR also took part in and becomes abusive, they know where Love Bites sessions were held provided information at Child to seek support and assistance to with 400 Year 10 students; six Protection Week activities, NAIDOC maintain their tenancy and receive sessions were held in in three high celebrations, Community Connect DFV specialised support. This year schools. Artwork from the sessions Day, Social Inclusion Day at Tafe 97 women and four young men were was displayed in the local library local interagency and community supported through this program. throughout June 2013. forums Legal Aid Funding was received through ETC Information and Training One staff member, a law student, to develop resources using the Sessions organised for Legal Aid to provide artwork that has been developed, These were held with: such as T shirts, caps and bands AVO and DFV training locally. 25 •• Mental Health team workers from the local sector to continue to raise awareness and •• Accident and Emergency team attended and provided positive provide information about sexual feedback. assault, DFV and what a healthy •• Police relationship looks like. •• Housing NSW International Women’s Day 16 Days of Activism •• FaCS intake team All staff coordinated this event •• Sexual Assault intake team with TAFE, CPADFV, KFSS, SHLV, Three staff coordinated the 16 WDVCAS, SO4K and MEND with Days of Activism events which •• TAFE students volunteers from the community. culminated in the White Ribbon Day event at a local park. Nominations were taken from the community for women who are Over 165 pledges were made (up leaders, advocates for change, quiet by over 130 from last year) ‘never achievers or women who stand to commit, excuse, or remain silent strong in the face of adversity. about violence against women’. From 22 nominations, six diverse This year local men took the lead and outstanding women were and approached schools, worksites NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

45 Early intervention KWR engaged in a range of activities Tenancy Support Advisory to establish or sustain their tenancies and partnerships that target women Group Member with ongoing case management to and children at risk of experiencing identify or respond to risks. This local advisory group DFV and or homelessness. comprises government and The group nominates clients to Key to relevant and timely NGO representatives. It meets case manage, ensuring sound intervention is the recognition of monthly and is facilitated with a results for clients. In times of critical the variety of risk factors for these Samaritans approach to support for or urgent decision, s the advisory issues. Major risk factors identified in women and children impacted by group communicates by email. our target groups included: violence, and families facing risk of Local real estate agents, Housing •• History of violence homelessness. NSW and Community Housing are •• Financial constraints or change in now more likely to contact KWR financial circumstances In 2012/13, KWR nominated 39 staff if risks are identified that may women with accompanying children •• Child protection reports jeopardise a tenancy. •• Multiple referrals from agencies Key to successful intervention is access to succinct information and a streamlined referral and support pathway in the least intrusive manner for clients. KWR has developed professional networks and partnerships to ensure we are the ‘go to’ service with regard to DFV and homelessness options. Community forums and meetings are attended with distribution of up to date resources pertaining to DFV and homelessness. Parents as Mentors (PaM) KWR partnered with the local TAFE to work with clients who had identified (in DFV support groups) that further education and training was key to reducing risk factors for them. The project enabled seven women, including five ATSI women, a soft entry in to TAFE. Classes were held on alternate weeks at KWR and TAFE, providing a safe option for our clients who had never studied before. The program covered a range of topics including child protection, child development, healthy relationships and lifestyles, study techniques, self esteem, financial security and budgeting. KWR also provides placement for Community Service students. The course ran for eight weeks, and following graduation, five women enrolled in further study. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

46 Kempsey Women’s Refuge

• Kempsey Family Support The broader community and • Developed and distributed Services partner agencies have been actively a small, unobtrusive local consulted about the soon to be information card for women This partnership ensures a release website which is modelled accessing courts. A local female range of intervention options are on children’s voices being heard, Aboriginal artist designed the coordinated for mutual clients to offering a range of supports and cover. avoid duplication and over servicing recommendations with a strong •• Developed and distributed a of clients. Together we offer focus on early interventions. flowchart of DFV and homeless referrals to a supported playgroup support services in the facilitated by KFSS staff. The launch of the SO4K website in community to improve Police Child Protection Week (September Referrals for boys under 12 years response and referrals. 2013) will see a local resource are made to the male family worker that is child focused and friendly •• Attended and distributed ensuring interventions for young that also supports a whole of information, resources and boys impacted by DFV. community response to Child referral options at NAIDOC, The MEND (men’s behavior change) Protection and DFV. It will provide Family Fun Days, 16 Days of program is facilitated by KFSS local and other links, information, Activism-White Ribbon Day, and KWR staff over a period of 16 relevant up to date data and what Social Inclusion Day, International weeks and is one of only six such support is available for support with Women’s Day, Child Protection accredited men’s programs in the DFV issues. All local providers will Week, Child Protection Forums state. KWR staff provide support to be linked to ensure an integrated and Community Connect Day. partners, ex-partners and children and coordinated approach. •• Maintained a range of media of men undertaking the program. conversations about our role Domestic Violence Monitoring either through radio, local paper Speak Out 4 Kids Committee (DVMC) and letters to relevant politicians. This initiative is also a joint project This formalised committee is •• Met with Housing NSW with KFSS, based at our premises. comprised of strong government representatives to highlight It has intervention, prevention and and NGO representations, with inadequacies of their system post crisis components. all key executive positions held •• Met with P&P re DAP program by DFV specialist services. Child protection as a community Meetings are held six weekly and •• Developed and maintained a responsibility is the key driver of ensures community events are range of resources for community this model. Incorporating a training well attended to keep DFV and events component, the initiative aims homelessness on the agenda both •• Provide a conduit information flow to raise awareness and develop local, regionally and at a state level. for CPADFV and SHLV the ability of workers to respond appropriately, in matters related to The committee extends its network •• Representation for Australian interventions to support women into our respective work arenas Rugby League ‘Tackling Violence’ and children exposed to DFV, their with outstanding outcomes. initiative increased risk to homelessness and Reducing risk to women and •• Highlighted and responded to profound disruption to their lives. children through insights gained cuts to Centrelink Social Worker into each agency’s core business hours Agencies that have been upskilled and capacities, the committee include staff from KWR and •• Responded to applications identifies service gaps to invite KFSS, sport and recreation, for more liquor outlets in the new members, supports students, preschools, TAFE, youth services, community showcases intervention models and New Horisons, neighbourhood •• Highlighted and responded responds to the political landscape, centre, Communities 4 Children, to reductions in Court hours staying abreast of emerging issues. Reconnect, HomeStart, Family in Kempsey, also the impacts Referral Service, Schools as In 2012/13 the DVMC has: on ‘circle sentencing’ in the Communities and CPADFV. •• Consulted on and designed Aboriginal community While the skill in the community presentation for local GP’s and •• Provided a steering committee for has broadened, the newfound medical centres to offer early and the MEND project ( MCBP ) partnerships and supports have relevant support to women and exceeded our expectations. children at risk. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

47 Crisis Support & Intensive,

Outreach Individualised Case KWR provides outreach support Management across the Macleay Valley including to the many small villages KWR provides a range of services •• Assistance to obtain and and settlements. On occasion and supports to women and children successfully transition into throughout 2012/13 we have accessing the refuge accommodation alternate, independent housing travelled to provide support to component of our service. with follow up/outreach support women outside this LGA both north to successfully maintain tenancy and south for a variety of reasons. With four family rooms, the All staff have an outreach client supports we provide are are diverse •• Advocacy with real estate base and the majority of our work and flexible and can include but are providers, schools or other is within the community. not restricted to: child focused organisations or employment agencies. A key role of outreach work is to •• Safe, affordable, secure •• Direct links to TAFE and assist women identified at risk to accommodation employment agencies to offer prevent an escalation of violence •• Emergency food, toiletries, smooth, soft entry points for and work to support these women. brokerage, laundry facilities, further education, training and/or clothing and supplies for children Immediate assistance may be employment. including buddy bags, school and provided with relocation, AVO’s, baby requirements. •• Child and youth focused specialised Police statements or support from support including skills development, •• Immediate medical needs within the refuge while SHLC or referrals for any identified issues including immunisation and CPADFV and the courts ensure or concerns, educational and pregnancy support safety of women and children. homework support. •• Transport Health, housing, education •• Referral to appropriate supports providers, Centrelink, local •• Internet access we do not have on site e.g. businesses and employers have •• Centrelink support, advocacy and financial, sexual assault been trained to recognise the early onsite appointments counselling or specialist health signs of risk and make referrals to •• Immigration and/or interpreter appointments. our service who in turn will contact services and on-site specialist staff other appropriate agencies to •• On site psychologist (monthly) improve outcomes. •• Links and supports to engage Hosting in-services with agencies with other agencies in community and organisations have seen a including education, housing, spike in referrals for women and health, FACS, Probation and Parole. children at risk with immediate •• Triple P Parenting support (onsite) uptake of support being available thus reducing higher risk . •• Legal support including with Police, solicitors, family law, Child Support Agency and Victims of Crime •• Brokerage to cover a wide variety including emergency cash, removal costs, travel costs, specialist counselling or funds to get necessary documentation e.g. proof of birth, Aboriginality NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

48 Kempsey Women’s Refuge

Given the limitations of crisis KWR works very closely with a KWR provides additional supports accommodation vacancies and range of organisation’s in the in a flexible manner based on the inability to meet demand, the community in a coordinated, individual identified needs in service has relationships with local responsive and integrated capacity consultation with the clients: motels, caravan parks and support to avoid duplication for women •• Legal – family law mediation mechanisms for women supported and to ensure the best possible support, VOC applications and by staff to achieve Temporary outcomes. Regular communication supply information Accommodation (TA) with Housing and meetings are the key to sound •• Triple P Parenting onsite NSW. All services listed previously co case management. KWR •• TAFE enrolments andsoft entry are made available to any women coordinates individualised or support and their children housed in TA. provides co-case management with: •• Playgroup transport & enrolments KWR works within a solid case •• Kempsey Family Support •• Specialised DFV group work for management model with clients Services women and children (both women and children) as the •• Speak Out 4 Kids •• Registered “work order “ provider centre of support provided. Staff •• Family Referral Service •• Specialised Immigration staff engage fully to ensure the client •• Community Partnerships Against DFV drives their case management •• Family mediation with Police •• Women’s Domestic Violence with fully informed consent and •• Local boarding for pets information provided. KWR staff Court Advocacy Service use their expertise to coordinates •• Goorie Galbans Women’s ‘If we don’t provide we will find balanced outcomes. Resource Centre someone who can’ is our motto! • Children are supported as clients in • Many Rivers Family Violence Service their own right with specialist Child •• Stay Home Leaving Violence Support staff fully engaged both •• Kempsey FaCS with children and their onsite female •• Tenancy Support Scheme caregiver. An intake assessment •• New Horisons identifies priority, secondary and less critical services and supports •• Safe Beds For Pets required. A follow up assessment •• Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre- plans the direction and scope of Nils and SHS providers the case management with regular •• Burnside reviews and adjustments as required. •• Housing NSW •• Community Health •• Durri AMS •• Triple P Parenting NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

49 Post Crisis

Rapid re-housing Outreach & other supports Women and children moving from All KWR staff carry a caseload of crisis support to more stable, outreach clients: secure accommodation require a •• Specialised personal supports range of supports - some similar such as sexual assault, financial to inhouse support - but more or DFV counselling or group work focused on long term stability will be offered at this stage across a range of areas. •• Future planning for education, Again, this requires an inclusive, training or employment are consolidated and client driven noted for future development or assessment and case plan. engagement Supports include but are not •• Immigration and family law restricted to: concerns (both long term •• Practical support including outcomes) are fully supported removalist liaison, yard and with emotional, practical and property maintained storage financial supports provided. retrieval, furniture acquisition, •• Clients are invited and supported utility advocacy, real estate to attend all community events advocacy, school liaison, with transport provided. Social transport, other brokerage functions are offered to reduce including food and cash and social isolation and enhance ongoing support as issues or community interaction. events occur. •• Remote outreach is provided to •• Referrals and support with link isolated women and children health, education, housing and to our service through their Centrelink, child protection, family community contacts e.g. local law, property settlement, VOC schools or doctors. are prioritised at this stage of the •• Referral for financial supports in support continuum. times of financial duress or family •• Clients exiting the crisis mode crisis (e.g. funeral expenses or are familiar with SO4K staff, due unexpected medical expenses) to co-location of the project with the refuge, so readily engage in KWR has partnerships and one of the three groups provided, professional relationships with TSS, Kids Can (8-12 years), Women New Horisons, local real estates, Can and Creative Art Therapy motels and caravan parks, Mid North (5-8 years). Transport and child Coast Community Housing, Housing care are provided. NSW, KFSS and KNC, Foodbank, TAFE, education providers, early childhood providers and South Kempsey Community Centre. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

50 Kempsey Women’s Refuge

Partners & Our staff

Supporters June Wilson Manager Partner Organisations Vivian Jones Team Leader/Outreach •• NSW WRM Inc •• Kempsey Hospital •• NSW WRM Business Centre •• Aboriginal Community Justice Marsha Blunden-Holten Women’s Support •• Kempsey Family Support Group Services •• MEND Project ( men’s behaviour Michelle Mayhew •• Staying Home Leaving Violence change ) Women’s Support/Community Events •• Women’s Domestic Violence •• Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Court Advocacy Support Services •• Foodbank Gemma Taylor •• Community Partnerships Against •• Kempsey High School Child/ Family Worker Domestic and Family Violence •• Melville High School Natalie Smee Speak Out 4 Kids Project Manager •• Macleay Valley Communities 4 •• Kempsey Vocational College Children •• South Kempsey Community Rachel Laird •• Tenancy Support Scheme Centre Speak Out 4 Kids Development Officer •• New Horisons •• Macksville /Nambucca/Bowraville Lisa Carmody •• Immigrant Women’s Speak Out network Casual/Relief Worker •• Lesbian Education And Peer •• FIG network Support •• PCYC •• Walan Jineras Management •• Kempsey Domestic Violence Service Supporters Monitoring Committee •• West Kempsey IGA Committee •• Kempsey Centrelink Social •• Benevolent Society Worker Charlotte Young •• Streetsmart Chairperson • • Northern Regional Refuges •• Coastline Credit Union Gail Webb •• Police DVLO •• Bunning’s Treasurer • • Police ACLO’s •• Food bank Gabriele Schindler •• Triple P Project Provider •• Alannah and Madeline Foundation Secretary • • Goorie Galbans Women’s •• Nestle Resource Centre Jenna Bambourgh-Lahey •• Samaritans Committee member (maternity •• Many Rivers Family Violence • leave) Legal Service • Barsby’s • •• Durri AMS • Carol Rice • •• Kempsey Tafe • Tumblegum bakery • •• Kempsey Council • Park Drive Motel • •• EACH – Reconnect Program • Kempsey Quilters • •• Mid North Coast Community • Legacy Widowers Housing •• Men’s Shed •• Youth Sector •• Kempsey Library •• Legal Aid •• Netherby’s Cafe •• Burrun Dalai OOHC •• Olivia Parker •• Kempsey FaCS •• Nambucca Valley Web Design •• Kempsey Mental Health NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

51 Wagga Wagga Women & Children’s Refuge

Overview

It gives me great pleasure to submit A big thank you to the staff at the 2012/13 has been a challenging this report on behalf of the Wagga refuge and in particular Joyce my year for our service but I am proud Wagga Women & Children’s Refuge Team Leader for her enduring passion, to say that we have continued (WWWCR). friendship & support. to put the women & children we serve before all else. Change I would like to acknowledge our Among our many highlights for the can be confronting and I am sure funding body the Department of year, the one that stands out is our there are many more challenges to Families and Community Services and dynamic women’s groups that have come, however I feel that if we - as a Community Projects Officers Isobel become stronger and more effective membership - face these challenges on Abbas and Jane Chrichton for their due to a concentrated focus on a united front, the future will be positive. continued support and sponsorship. group topics which prioritise domestic violence, parenting and tenancy On that note, I would like to thank I would also like to thank our outgoing advice and assistance. the Business Centre and Matrix on management committee, Yvonne Board and in particular Amy Simmons, Wilson, Carol Farlow and Sally Steele. Another highlight was the Wagga Johanna Moon and Lindy Dang for We are sorry to lose the benefit of Wagga Domestic Violence Conference their warm and professional support their pool of knowledge and wealth of hosted by the Domestic Violence during these times of change. experience. I would also like to thank Liaison Committee. The WWWCR was the outgoing Bookkeeper Lisa Boyce a key coordinating agency and co- who worked diligently for this service chair of this two day conference which Judi Kemp for eight years. attracted renowned speakers and Manager drew in excess of 130 participants. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

52 Our work

Prevention Early intervention Prevention activities and programs Early intervention activities WWWCR facilitates an outreach that WWWCR was engaged in WWWCR was involved in during program for both women & during this reporting period include this reporting period include but are children. but are not limited to the following. not limited to. WWWCR utilises SHS Case Management to deliver services to WWWCR staff have been trained Presentations on domestic and outreach clients which ultimately in and regularly run: family violence to: results in clients receiving •• GHS Health – Safe Start Program •• Down There Reproductive timely, self identified support •• View day Club Workshop services which assist the smooth •• Promise Centre Women’s Group •• Tripe P Parenting Groups transition into and maintenance of independent living. •• CWA •• Keeping Children Safe The program provides skill •• View Night Club WWWCR staff in conjunction development, critical information & Educate on domestic violence: with other services run the advice for clients – also advocacy •• University students following: and mediation where appropriate with •• Sexual Health (with Sexual Health referrals made to specialist services •• TAFE students Clinic) and relevant agencies. The program •• Chiropractor’s Group identifies referral needs in relation •• Domestic Violence (with DFVIS to housing, employment, education – Domestic & Family Violence Leaders in the community for: and training, then supports clients to Intervention Service) •• No More Silence Program attend appointments. •• 16 Days of Activism •• Futures Planning (with Centrelink, Tenancy Advice & Family Support We have extended the program to •• Reclaim the night Financial Counsellors) allow more flexibility in relation to •• Tackling Violence client support. In order to provide •• DVLC Committee and WWWCR staff take part in regular a more effective continuum of support we utilise our child support Conference case conferences with relevant agencies who are involved in the worker to attend outreach visits to Stallholder at: support of our clients. assist with children’s issues and •• The Homelessness Day Activities our NESB crisis support worker WWWCR staff sit on the and other support workers to also •• NAIDOC Day following: provide outreach support if it is The WWWCR Manager took •• Attorney General’s DV Regional felt that to do so will enhance the part in the following media Reference Group support to the client. interviews around domestic •• DVLC Committee WWWCR has formal violence, tackling violence •• No More Silence Committee partnerships with the following: program sexual assault and •• Youth Refuge retraction statements: •• 16 days of Activism Committee •• Youth Services Mission Australia •• Three interviews with the Daily • • Tackling Violence Committee •• Wagga LAC Advertiser •• Multi Cultural Parenting •• Argyle Housing •• Two interviews with ABC Radio Committee •• Sisters Housing •• Linden Place (child sexual assault) •• Domestic and Family Violence Intervention Service (DFVIS) •• WDVCAS NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

53 Crisis Support & Intensive, Individualised Case Management

WWWCR is committed to, and will Residential Support Telephone Support continue to negotiate successful WWWCR provides short term crisis WWWCR provided 458 support protocols and/or formal links with accommodation to women with or services via telephone to women other SHS services and other without children who are escaping who live locally and from the professional support networks domestic violence and/or who surrounding districts & villages. in order to facilitate constructive are homeless. Holistic support is This support includes emotional outcomes for SHS clients. provided through the SHS case support, information, advocacy and management model. WWWCR has informal referral. WWWCR also makes every partnerships with: The support offered to clients effort to link the client to our women’s •• TAFE (depending individual needs) support & education groups. includes emotional support, •• Police assistance with the children, Court Support •• DoCS food and medical intervention if Trained staff provide court support •• Women’s Health required, practical support, living for women on a regular basis. •• Housing NSW skills if needed, information, advice, education, advocacy, referrals to Child & Youth Support •• Multicultural Council essential services, assistance to Our Child Support Program •• Centrelink access police, courts and legal facilitates weekly supported •• Brighter Futures advice, assistance to obtain, playgroups for resident mothers & and successfully transition, into children. The playgroup not only •• Micah House alternate, independent housing and provides an opportunity for learning •• SVDP outreach and follow up support to & play but also enables workers to •• Sexual Assault Services enable the client to successfully observe the bond between mother •• Mercury Motel maintain the tenancy, provision and child, providing timely and of child & youth support which appropriate supports when needed. •• Headspace includes play group, homework The program runs an excellent •• DAFVIS assistance, skills development, daily homework group for resident education groups and play, regular •• Wagga Wagga City Council & outreach children. The program support & education groups for the • assists the children to complete • Aboriginal Family Support women which include parenting, projects and homework either protective behaviours, health & manually or on computers – they tenancy advice. also provide nutritional snacks. On call Support The Child & Youth Workers run The refuge has a worker on site from morning and afternoon activity and 8am – 6pm on weekdays with all out support sessions for the refuge of hours support provided through our children. They are conscious of on call service. The on-call services providing age appropriate activities to offers information, referral and help foster positive growth in all areas emotional support. It also includes of the child’s development, also provision of transport, attendance to addressing child protection issues. conduct intake as required and other They provide child care for women supports as needed. with children who wish to attend our Women’s Support Groups. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

54 Wagga Wagga Women & Children’s Refuge

Outreach Program Women’s Support Groups WWWCR facilitates an outreach Group topics have included: Groups which address issues of program for both women & children. •• Women’s Stress Management homelessness, domestic violence, WWWCR utilises SHS Case •• Triple P Parenting personal safety & successful Management to deliver services to independent living. •• Tenancy advice outreach clients which ultimately • Referrals for Support Groups come results in clients receiving timely, self • Nutrition from refuge residents, outreach identified support services which •• Cooking & Life skills clients, agency referrals and the assist the smooth transition into and •• General Parenting maintenance of independent living. •• Assertiveness & Self Esteem general community. The outreach program provides skills •• Reproductive Health Children’s Groups • development, critical information & • Domestic Violence Support Resident & outreach children join our advice for clients – also advocacy •• Health & Wellbeing homework groups, holiday programs and mediation where appropriate •• Sexual Health & groups, providing opportunity with referrals made to specialist •• Budgeting to work with children around services and relevant agencies. •• Keeping Children Safe. protective behaviour education, skills development, Lift the Lip (Dental) and The program identifies referral needs We continue to facilitate weekly many other fun activities. in relation to housing, employment, to fortnightly Women’s Support education and training, then supporting clients to attend set appointments. The outreach program also enables the refuge to provide crucial follow up for women and children exiting the service. Clients are supported through outreach to maintain independent living and to reconnect with the community. One-off Support WWWCR provides face to face or telephone and one off support to women and children who don’t necessarily need accommodation but rather some other support. Over this reporting period, the Refuge provided support to 836 women & children via one off and telephone support including information & referral, emotional, advocacy, showers, meals, transport, form filling, laundry and court support. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

55 Post Crisis

Rapid re-housing Private Rental Brokerage Program not experience further trauma, and & advice for clients, also advocacy that by receiving appropriate & timely and mediation as appropriate, with WWWCR has a formal arrangement support, their risk of homelessness will referrals made to relevant specialist with the Private Rental Brokerage be lessened. services and agencies. Program (PRB). The aim of the partnership is to assist & support Mission Australia Youth Services The outreach program also enables clients who have extensive & complex WWWCR has a formal relationship the refuge to provide crucial follow up into independent living via the private with Mission Australia Youth for women and children exiting the rental market. Services. The aim of the partnership service. Clients are supported through PRB assists by securing the property is to provide appropriate client outreach to maintain independent living and providing a certain amount of focused accommodation & support and to reconnect with the community, surety to the housing provider. Our role to youth and where the client is identifying referral needs in relation to is to continue case managent with the within the age range identified housing, employment, education and client to assist the client in maintaining by Youth Connections, they may training, then supporting clients to their tenancy. be best accommodated within a attend set appointments. women’s refuge. Reasons could Once WWWCR support has ended, Outreach children are individually include that the client is pregnant, we have committed to reconnecting has a child or children or has come case managed under the SHS Case with the client if PRB - or the client out of an adult relationship which has Management Model with case plans themselves - deems that further involved domestic violence. In these including education and support for support is required. The desired cases the client is accommodated the parent, planning & coordination outcome of this partnership is that by the refuge and support services of a range of services to meet the this client group, with intensive and (which are youth focused) are individual child’s needs (in consultation complex needs (which would ordinarily provided by youth connections. with the parent), monitoring of the and definitely have impacts on their effectiveness of services being offered, At the time of exit from the refuge, ability to live independently) and are skills development & play, school at high risk of homelessness, are Youth Connections may use their liaison, support with residency and able to transition from the refuge into expertise in permanently housing court matters. Mothers and carers successful and independent private young people to assist with sourcing of non-accommodated children are rental housing. longer term accommodation and the refuge will provide outreach and follow invited to education, parenting and Multicultural Council up support. support groups with childcare and WWWCR has an informal partnership lunch is provided for the children. The program aims to support clients with the Multicultural Council. The aim to transition from the Youth Refuge to The Child & Youth Workers run of the partnership is to assist & support the Women’s Refuge and then from morning and afternoon activity and Non English Background Clients the Women’s Refuge into long term, support sessions for the refuge (NESB) who have been resettled in this successful and independent housing children. Conscious of providing age area but have experienced domestic and therefore lessen their risk of appropriate activities to help foster violence after settling here. homelessness. positive growth in all areas of the The role of the refuge is to provide child’s development, child protection accommodation, domestic violence Outreach & other supports issues are also addressed. School education and support and general We facilitate an outreach program Holiday Programs and an excellent every day support to the client. for both women & children using the daily homework group is held for our The role of the Multicultural Council SHS Case Management to deliver school age children. is to continue to provide their NESB outreach to clients that is timely and specialist support and to assist with self identified to assist the smooth sourcing independent housing for the transition into - and maintenance of - client. The desired outcome of this independent living.The program offers arrangement is that NESB client will skills development, critical information NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

56 Wagga Wagga Women & Children’s Refuge

Partners & Our staff

Supporters Judi Kemp Manager Partner Organisations Supporters Joyce Amaro • • • Mission Australia Youth Services • Mrs B Burton Team Leader •• Wagga Wagga Police LAC •• Riverina Fresh •• Argyle Housing •• RAAF Base Lisa Boyce Bookkeeper •• Sisters Housing •• Rob & Heather Boetta •• TAFE •• Dr Mary Ross Christine Portors •• Charles Sturt University, •• The Sussman Foundation ( Anon.) Crisis Support •• Police, •• Uniting Church Casey Walker •• Department of Family & •• View Clubs Crisis Support Community Services (FaCS) •• CWA Clara Nordblom •• Women’s Health •• The Promise Centre Crisis Support •• Housing NSW •• Graham Crowe Computers Louise Benson •• Multicultural Council •• Leola Hull Child and Youth Support •• Centrelink •• Trappers Bakery •• Brighter Futures •• Knights Meats Lauren Colley Outreach Support •• Micah House •• Club Grant •• Linden Place •• Street Smart •• SVDP •• Mecure Motel •• Women’s Domestic Violence •• Mercury Motel Management Court Assistance Service •• Garden City Motel (WDVCAS) Committee •• Family Support •• Sexual Assault Services Yvonne Wilson •• Headspace Chair •• Community Health Carroll Farlow •• Gissing House (mental health) Secretary •• Sunflower House (mental health) Sally Steele •• Accessline Treasurer •• Tenancy Advice •• DV Hotline •• Domestic & Family Violence Intervention Service (DFVIS) •• Wagga Wagga City Council Aboriginal Family Support •• Riverina Aboriginal Medical and Dental Association. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

57 Wilcannia Women & Children’s Safe House

Overview

I have been the acting Manager of in Wilcannia and have seen a Council, Saint Therese’s Community the Wilcannia Women and Children’s significant increase in service School Centrelink, Save The Safe House since October 2011, access and established new Children and Wilcannia Police,Waa living and working full time in professional partnerships, Waa Aboriginal Legal Service and Wilcannia throughout this period. bolstering the Safe House’s Far West Legal Service. It has been a professional and program scope and capacity. 2012/13 saw the introduction of personal experience which I have I have actively supported the pre- new weekly community based greatly enjoyed. existing service staff in accessing services operating from the Safe Aboriginal people make up a quality and relevant professional House including, midwife clinic, significant proportion of the local development opportunities. early literacy program, cooking population and many maintain a class, female GP clinic, sewing The Wilcannia Safe House has strong desire to remain in the area class, legal service, community established strong professional due to important personal, cultural education and financial counseling. community partnerships with key and family ties. stakeholders including Maari Ma Delece Manton I have developed a strong Health Aboriginal corporation, Manager rapport with both service staff Centacare, CDEP, Wilcannia Central and community during my time School, Central Darling Shire NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

58 Our work

Prevention Early intervention The Wilcannia Women and The Wilcannia Women and Children’s Safe House is heavily Children’s Safe House works involved in all Wilcannia Community closely with other service providers events. Our prevention activities in the community to deliver include but are not limited to: collaborative early intervention programs. Successful partnerships Wilcannia Radio Weekly Show between service providers in Each week the Wilcannia Safe Wilcannia lead to better outcomes House Manger has a slot on the for the clients and community. local radio to talk about Domestic The Safe House provides support and Family Violence. and information for women and/or The radio show provides an carers and their children, achieving opportunity for the safe house good early intervention outcomes to provide information and with playgroups held twice weekly. education to the broader Wilcannia This year the Safe House has Community about Domestic and delivered a number of programs Family Violence and supports that in collaboration with other service are available. providers in the area. All programs Elders Shopping trip (Broken Hill) are available to Safe House Wilcannia is over 2 hours from the residents and women from the nearest shopping Centre. community who want to participate. These groups often end with a Each Thursday the Wilcannia yarning circle and discussions Safe House Staff take a group of on domestic and family violence Community Elders into Broken Hill for or other issues affecting our Shopping. This allows Safe House community. Staff to maintain strong connections to the community through Wilcannia Some of the programs currently on Community Elders. offer at the Safe House are: •• Strong Family Project Wilcannia NAIDOC Week Ball •• Murrung Respectful Relationships Each year the Wilcannia Community •• Alcohol and Drugs Hold a NAIDOC Week Ball. •• Men’s Shed Domestic Violence The Safe House staff are active •• Budgeting participants in the preparations for • the ball and attend every year. • Housing •• Elders Group NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

59 Crisis Support & Intensive, Individualised Case Management

The Safe House continues to partner and work collaboratively with community based organisations both locally and regionally to deliver co-case management community. Case management requires a commitment to work across service boundaries with clients, specialist and mainstream services. Services we work closely with to deliver collaborative integrated case management include: •• Centacare •• Centrelink •• Mission Australia •• Mental Health •• Maari Ma Health •• Men’s Shed •• Schools •• Pre-schools •• Police •• Home care •• Save the children •• Far West Legal Service •• Waa Waa Aboriginal Legal Service NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

60 Wilcannia Women & Children’s Safe House

Partners & Our staff

Supporters Erica Mitchell Women’s Crisis Worker I would like to acknowledge our Patricia Whyman partners for their support and Women’s Crisis Worker understanding of the issues impacting on the personal and Merica Kerwin community sense of safety and Child Support Worker wellbeing for local women and their Delece Manton children. Manager (relief) •• Maari Ma Health Aileen Harris • • Centacare Child Support (to 1/8/12) •• CDEP •• Wilcannia Central School •• Central Darling Shire Council Management •• Saint Therese’s Community Committee School • • Centrelink Jane Kemp •• Save The Children Committee Member • • Wilcannia Police Roxy Kennedy •• Far West Legal Service Committee Member • • Waa Waa Aboriginal Legal Bodyie Service Committee Member In particular, our thanks go to Zoe Amy Simmons Dobson, Marri Ma and William NSW WRM Business Centre Bates, of Community Working Party, Chairperson, Cindy Graham, Ann King Far West Legal Service, for their Lightning Ridge Safe House ever lasting support for Staff and Bonnie Souter the Safe House. WRM Business Centre NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

61 Wimlah Women & Children’s Refuge

Overview

2012/13 has been a very positive year Providing up to twelve driving lessons Group, Trauma Informed Care for Wimlah with the team focusing to women who have experienced DFV, Workshop and WDFVCAS on strengthening our community to assist them to build confidence information Session networks. and independence - particularly •• Developing partnership with the important regional areas where a lack I would like to thank Wimlah’s Lands Council of public transport can be a barrier staff, who provide such consistent, •• White Ribbon Day Event to community engagement. I would respectful and professional support like to acknowledge the work and •• Planning of DFV awareness raising to the woman and children we work commitment of the project worker campaign in partnership with with. The team has a high level of skill Mary Cant. Community Health in a number of diverse areas which is demonstrated in the range of services In October 2012 Alex Turner was The challenges of a stretched housing and programs we provide. employed part time in Mudgee as market, an increased demand for our part of the Mudgee Capacity Building services and the complexity of the While there has been significant Project. The aim of the project is to client group continues to pressure change in 2012/13 with more to develop the capacity of the region our capacity. It must be noted that come, the team have demonstrated in supporting victims of domestic while the Going Home Staying Home their ability to face these challenges and family violence with a focus Reform process presents exciting and philosophically and cohesively, which on Indigenous families. It has been positive possibilities for the sector it I am very grateful for. This culture has an opportunity to share Wimlah’s also has an element of uncertainty created a wonderful reputation for the specialist skills and address a gap in which has its impact on the service. service within the broader community. services. Alex has worked hard to build The staff of Wimlah continue to find I would also like to thank the outgoing networks in the community and has creative and innovative solutions to Management Committee who achieved a lot in the short time she has these challenges. We look forward to supported Wimlah and my position been in the position. the next 12months of this project and specifically throughout 2012/13. The In March we held a Community Forum the positive outcomes it can provide to Business Centre with Amy Simmons to get some input from the community this region. at the helm has done an amazing job on areas of focus for the project, while in 2012/13 to provide Wimlah with providing some information on the stable and sound support in many project and available services. The Sarah Eberhardt areas but a highlight is the transition outcomes of the Forum have provided Manager of our Financial Management to some constructive direction for the Matrix on Board. This valuable work work we are doing. does not go unnoticed. Some other highlights for the year have As in previous years, the Domestic included: Violence Support Western Sydney • Service, managed by Wimlah was • Organising and resourcing core DFV an absolute highlight. The service training in June has been broadly acknowledged •• Coordination of seconded workers for its innovative work through two to Drop-in Service substantial evaluation processes. •• Promotion of the Drop-in Service The Drive Project continues its and Aborigina Brokerage Packages success with 22 active clients in June. •• Planning of Healthy Relationships NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

62 Domestic Violence Support Western Sydney Service

Since 2010 Wimlah has been Handy Womens Workshop Evaluation of the DVSWSS privileged to be lead agency and Women are taught basic home The University of NSW conducted an manager of DVSWSS, coordinated by maintenance at a Bunnings store. evaluation of a number of HAP projects Penny Wood. The project is part of the Cook Me Happy (Mt Druitt) including DVSWSS. The evaluation NSW Government’s Homelessness Ongoing classes for DVSWSS clients. identified the following outcomes from Action Plan (HAP) and aims to the proect: prevent homelessness by providing a Storage Unit wraparound service, with brokerage, to DVSWSS continues to have access •• Reducing homelessness; ensure women or women with children a secure storage unit in Parramatta in •• Reducing reliance on local refuges do not become homeless. partnership Housing NSW Blacktown and emergency accommodation; and the Overseas Disaster Resources •• Breaking the cycle of violence; DVSWSS had another strong year, project. The unit is used frequently •• Decreasing need to access medical providing support packages to including for donations storage including services; 117 women and 245 children. The (new only) toys, kitchen equipment, packages consist of funds for support towels, bedding and furniture. •• Demonstrated sustainable outcomes hours and brokerage. DVSWSS 12 months following the conclusion provided one-off assistance to 46 Real Estate Education Strategy of support. women with supported referrals - A designated worker visited real estate where women are already supported agencies in Western Sydney region to This valuable work was further by a service, or functioning well, but encourage partnership with DVSWSS. validated with the extension of funding may need some incidental or one-off A tenancy advocate with many years for a further twelve months. support. Some types of support the tribunal experience and knowledge of DVSWSS was acknowledged brokerage has been used for include the private rental context. as innovative best practice and training, child care, counselling, respite, Christmas Donation invited to present at a number of removals and white goods. A $5000 donation from a Sydney the Going Home Staying Home These outcomes far exceed the services based advertising company was spent Information Sessions across NSW. set targets. Additionally, DVSWSS on Kmart vouchers for each of our 61 The presentations showcased the considered specific community needs clients active at the time. service as a successful example of an integrated partnership model. across the regions and supported Transition to Start Safely Housing women with programs including: The strengths of its collaborative (Intervention & Rapid Rehousing) approach are demonstrated by the 56 123 Drive DVSWSS has secured a transitional stakeholder agencies that choose to 123 Drive has now been rolled out to property in Campbelltown from Hume partner with the program. the Liverpool region. All five regions Housing. Allocated to a Start Safely are implementing the program with approved client who will receive case DVSWSS continues to work closely the Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury management for the duration of her with its sister HAP DVS programs in (managed by Wimlah) implementing three month lease, including support to the Hunter and Illawarra to share best their own Drive Program with some find private rental. This alleviates pressure practice and identify our strengths and funds from DVSWSS. Bankstown on TA and SHS, and prevents the client barriers. The three services partnered Coordination Group have also been rough sleeping or returning to violence. in a successful application to the successful in securing funds ($10,000) Industry Development Fund and have Aboriginal Engagement Strategy started important work to identify from Council to introduce this program DVSWSS and Tharawal Aboriginal to Canterbury/Bankstown. models for integrating the good Services have recently signed an MOU. practice developed through their Financial Literacy Workshop Tharawal have agreed to provide an respective pilot programs over the last Presented by Wesley Mission in Aboriginal worker to provide case three to four years. Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains management to Aboriginal women and and Bankstown. their children who may be at risk of losing their Housing NSW tenancy. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

63 Our work Prevention Early intervention Social and Safe Charmed and Dangerous Social and Safe is a program targeted White Ribbon Day This is a comprehensive, engaging at year 10 high school students that In 2012 Wimlah in partnership with and current resource that covers teaches them about negotiating safe BMHRC ran a white ribbon making a broad range of information on boundaries within social situations. workshop for clients and service domestic and family violence. The booklet is an initiative of Tweed Shire It is coordinated by Blue Mountains providers to raise awareness and Women’s Service. Women’s Health and Resource funds. The ribbons were distributed Centre and Wimlah has been a for white ribbon day. Wimlah also It is an excellent resource for clients, partner for a number of years. It is attended and supported the Mayoral service providers and the general important work that aims at reducing White Ribbon Day Breakfast put on public and we saw the benefits of sexual assault and domestic violence. by Blue Mountains City Council. having it printed out with the addition of contact details for services in the IDAHO Day Women of Wonder (WOW) Blue Mountains. On 25 November 2012, we held our For the last few years Wimlah has We have distributed it to a range of annual fundraiser. It was a wonderful been part of the steering committee both generalist and specialist services family friendly event with a great that plans and runs a flag raising event from Western Sydney to Mudgee. The turnout of past and present clients. It driven by Blue Mountains City Council. response has been very positive from is a great opportunity to educate the This year we were again involved in both clients and service providers. community and raise the awareness the planning and set up, also running We are in the process of purchasing of DFV and our service. Additionally a stall that provided the opportunity a second print run and see it as there were many positive outcomes for people to write a positive message an important broad community for clients that attended. against homophobia on coloured education strategy. We are so grateful to the performers card and then have their photo taken. and business owners who provided With permission these photos were The Stronger Families Alliance there services and items for the raffle. uploaded onto the ACON Website. The SFA is a network of generalist All funds raised went towards the We ran the stall at Katoomba and and specialist services that work with Drive Program. Springwood. children in the Blue Mountains LGA. A positive community event to be It is convened by Blue Mountains involved with, it generates a lot of City Council and its aim is to increase goodwill while offering an opportunity health and wellbeing outcomes for to provide information on Wimlah and children by creating a more child/ issues of same sex domestic violence. family friendly community. It has a main group and 3 subgroups one of which is addressing the needs of vulnerable families. While we have had some involvement in this initiative it is exciting that in 2012 I was invited to be on the main group as a representative of the women’s sector in the Blue Mountains. This group has a role in generating the direction of the subgroups. An innovative best practice model providing opportunities to reduce stigma in our community and normalise some of the challenges our clients face. We are lucky to have such a fantastic early intervention project in our LGA. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

64 Wimlah Women & Children’s Refuge

Crisis Support & Intensive, Individualised Case Management

Wimlah’s onsite crisis accommodation comprises four self-contained units that cater to range of family needs. We are able to support women with children, single women and our disability unit can cater to families that have a range of mobility issues. Intensive case management support is provided to women and their children staying in the refuge accommodation, including access to all outreach groups and activities. Parenting Young Women’s Family Law Support Wimlah’s work is strengths based Parenting Young is a supported Service (WFLSS) and client focused. Staff seek to playgroup for young mums and has During 2012/13 Wimlah supported provide women with the tools to been running in the Mountains for WFLSS by providing a worker for draw from within their capacity to over ten of years. Wimlah has a formal the seconded worker roster. While support themselves and their children. partnership with the service that runs our attendance is dependent on our this project. We are on the seconded capacity it is a valuable partnership. Wimlah’s ethos is that we are here to worker roster and the steering group. empower women to make their own The service provides much needed Additionally, once a year they run a decisions and choices in their lives. support to women accessing the two day retreat for the families which family law system and also skills up the We provide families with the tools and we participated in. Wimlah provides staff member on current practice in this access to community in order that they information, referral and individual area which is fed back to the team. can transition armed with knowledge support to this group. to prevent re-cycling back into a violent Drop-in Katoomba, Springwood Womens Domestic Violence Court environment and/or homelessness. and Mudgee Advocacy Service (WDFVCAS) Our key strategy is to hook women Wimlah provides drop-in support into existing services in their Wimlah provides seconded workers Monday to Wednesday for women community over and above Wimlah. for the court roster of WDFVCAS to seeking DFV advocacy, advice, provide support to women applying Wimlah acknowledges children as referral, support or just a place to for an AVO. This is a longstanding clients in their own right and as such discuss what is happening for them partnership and has many benefits individual intakes and case plans are and explore possible options. including softer referral pathways to developed to meet their individual our services. WDFVCAS workers also needs. Wimlah’s staff provide access our outreach support for clients mothers and children with a nurturing that need ongoing case management. environment that encourages bonding and attachment between children and mother. The children staying in the refuge have access to all the groups offered by Wimlah along with a range of activities offered in the school holidays. Individual sessions are tailored to the needs of the family and include NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

65 protective behaviours and age specific parenting strategies. Referral to Post Crisis counselling, community activities and sports is encouraged to support the transition process for families. Rapid re-housing, outreach We are constantly trying to create & other supports access to appropriate supports/ Tenancy Support Worker activities that will help clients overcome Wimlah offers ongoing support for the impacts of DFV. Some examples Throughout 2012/13 Wimlah has women who access the service either of this are co-case management for continued to create relationships with by staying at the refuge or through our women and their children with local real estate agents so as to facilitate Outreach Services. This post crisis youth services, seeking donations smooth pathways for our clients into support is negotiated with the client for local tourist activities, providing private rentals. Education of Start based on an individual family’s needs. transport to counselling, providing Safely and an understanding of DFV brokerage for school outings and has been a focus. The feedback has If the client is in a supported tenancy photos, advocating for scholarships at been very positive at this point. We either through Wentworth Area local private schools. are excited to build on this work with Housing or a DFVSWSS tenancy the the creation of a Tenancy Support support is linked to the tenancy and Wimlah is skilled at creative problem Worker Position in July 2013. a negotiated level of engagement is solving to meet the individual needs necessary. Otherwise, Wimlah does of women and their accompanying We also work with clients to not impose strict timeframes on the children. Wimlah has been focused on educate and inform them about length of time that families or women the benefits of collaboration in case the challenges of obtaining a are provided with support and as management and where appropriate tenancy and then to understand such, we have an open door approach we plan formal case conferences their rights and responsibilities. We where a woman may call to have a or less formal collaboration with use the resource ‘Rent It Keep It’ chat or contact us in case a crisis appropriate services. The services we as it is a comprehensive guide to looms or reoccurs. have collaborated with include: this information. Workers provide individual support around these issues •• Youth services Wimlah does not provide a linear to both refuge and outreach clients. •• Mental Health Access Team approach and recognises that the •• Women’s Health Centre Housing Options & Support impacts of DFV can peak and trough • for families. • WDFVCAS workers Wimlah accesses a range of services • • Community Health Counsellors to offer housing options for women Outreach & Drop-in Services •• Brighter Futures in our crisis accommodation, women Wimlah is committed to providing •• FaCS Strengthening Families who are accessing outreach support. flexible outreach and continuum of Workers and CP Caseworkers care to women and children who •• Alcohol and Other Drug Services We have a partnership with have experienced domestic violence. •• Methodone Clinic Wentworth Area Housing and have Outreach is tailored to the needs of •• Private Counsellors nomination rights on two medium families and can range from a one •• Local Community Legal Centre term tenancies. These tenancies are tied to support from us and are for off interaction on the phone or in a •• Local Women’s Housing Service approximately one year. coffee shop to ongoing intensive •• Wentworth Community Housing support for both women and children, •• PHAMS Wimlah also refers clients to Start including accessing group work and •• HASIS Safely Tenancies through Housing counselling at Freelander Cottage. •• Police NSW, where appropriate we access •• Community Health Nurse support packages through the In 2012/13 drop-in support •• Mental Health Unit at the local DFVSWSS program which we manage Services were offered in Katoomba, Hospital (see highlights). Blue Gum Housing Springwood and Mudgee. In Mudgee the service is coordinated by Wimlah •• Centrelink Social Worker is an important referral point for our in partnership with Bathurst Women’s •• Immigration Avocacy and Rights clients, particularly to those who prove Refuge, Lithgow Community Projects Centre (IARC) to have difficulty in accessing private and WDFVCAS who all provide •• Childcare Centres rentals. We have also supported workers once a month. We are very •• School Counsellors women who have been in Project 40 tenancies which is a local HAP project. grateful for their support. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

66 Wimlah Women & Children’s Refuge

Women & Relationships Group Wimlah has been running this group approximately twice a year for a number of years. This year we were able to offer a group in both Springwood and Katoomba as it has been so popular. We are planning to offer it in Mudgee soon. The group has gained a solid reputation in the community with referrals coming from local counselling services, NGOs and government Street’. The exhibition is in Katoomba process, and another valuable part departments. This year we have and gives locals the opportunity to of the project is a volunteer driving started partnering with a skilled Art exhibit their work together as part of instructor to support women who need Therapist which has added to our a community event. The exhibition more that the twelve paid lessons. capacity and skill. runs for two weeks during the ‘Winter The project has been very successful, Wimlah’s workers pride themselves Magic’ festival and attracts many with 22 women obtaining their P on their group work skill and sensitive visitors and locals to the main street plates in the last three years. The approach to women in this vulnerable of Katoomba. program had 22 active clients in context. Women consistently feed The children enjoy participating in this June 2013. The project has been back the positive experience of event which has a significant theme supported through a number of attending the group including feeling each year. This year the children built grants and donations in 2012/13 less isolated and more confident. a castle out of cardboard which they which has enabled us to expand to Performing Arts & Sports Group decorated with patch-work material the Hawkesbury and Lithgow areas. along with plasticine models and I would like to acknowledge the Wimlah runs a sports group and a added their own created stories to fall work and commitment of the project performing arts group for primary in line with the 2013 theme ‘Story’. worker Mary Cant. school aged children. Each group The children were proud to exhibit is run one afternoon a week during their artwork in one of the local shop Mentoring school term. These groups are windows displaying their wonderful We have had a great success with invaluable to both children and creativity. We are very proud that the this program in the past year with their carers as they extend an Children’s Exhibit won first prize in the bi-monthly outings being offered to opportunity for peer support and Community Section!!!! two different groups of children. It has a connection to Wimlah without provided opportunities for some of our direct case management. The Drive Project most vulnerable children to engage The children in the performing arts The Drive Project provides up to twelve with positive role models. group work toward a performance at driving lessons to women who have The aim is to build resilience in the the end of the year and mothers often experienced DFV, supporting them to children in a safe and supportive participate. It is a wonderful bonding build confidence and independence environment. We continue to receive experience for families who have lived - particularly important regional areas very positive feedback from the with domestic violence and it seems where a lack of public transport can be Mentors, the children and their to bring much joy. a barrier to community engagement. parents. Outings this year have The children also participate in the The program offers support from included bowling, Jenolan Caves and annual community art exhibition ‘Art both peers and workers through the horse riding. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

67 Partners & Supporters

Interagencies, networks & DFVSWSS Coordination Group •• HNSW Campbelltown committees Members •• M.A.R.C.I.A Refuge •• Blue Mountains Women’s Stakeholders in the delivery •• Macarthur Ozanam Health and Resource Centre of DFVSWSS are listed below. •• Tharawal Aboriginal Service (Management Committee Coordination groups collaborate •• W.I.L.M.A Women’s Health Centre member) to provide wraparound case •• Coalition Against Violence Abuse management to the families and Liverpool/Fairfield/Holroyd and Neglect women who access DFVSWSS. •• Bonnie Women’s •• Jessie Street Domestic Violence Bankstown/Auburn •• Community First Service (Management Committee •• Bankstown Woman’s Health •• Green Valley Domestic Violence member (to Jan) •• BCS Life Care Counselling and •• HNSW Liverpool •• Mudgee Community Interagency Family Services •• Joan Harrison Support Services •• People Against Violence Group •• Domestic Violence Court • Mudgee • Liverpool SHLV Advocacy Service Bankstown • •• Regional Homelessness • Liverpool Women’s Health Centre •• HNSW Bankstown Committee •• Liverpool Women’s Resource •• Mary’s Place •• Stronger Families Alliance Main Centre • Group Member • Muslim Women Association Penrith/Blacktown/Parramatta • •• Women’s Refuge Movement (now • Sydney Women’s Counselling •• Anglicare Parramatta Centre DFVNSW) Regional Network •• Barnados Penrith (Regional Representative) Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury •• Cumberland Women’s Health •• Women’s Refuge Movement (now • • Blue Gum Housing •• Essie’s Refuge DFVNSW) Working Party • • Blue Mountains Domestic •• HNSW Blacktown Partner Organisations Violence Court Advocacy Service •• HNSW Mount Druitt •• Bathurst Woman and Children’s •• Blue Mountains Family Support •• HNSW Parramatta Refuge •• Blue Mountains Women’s Health • •• Lithgow Community Projects and Recourse Centre • Housing NSW Penrith • •• Blue Mountains Women’s •• Brighter Futures • Jessie Street Domestic Violence • Domestic Violence Court •• Gateway Family Services • Mt Druitt Family Violence Service Advocacy Service • •• HNSW Lithgow • Pams Place •• Blue Mountains City Council • •• Lithgow Community • Parramatta Holroyd Family •• Blue Mountains Family Support Support •• Nureen Women’s Housing Service •• Pathways Community Care •• Springwood Neighbourhood •• Blue Mountains Women’s Health • Centre Cooperative • Pendle Hill Crisis Centre and Resource Centre • •• Wimlah • Penrith Domestic Violence •• Cara House Support •• Women’s Cottage •• DFVSWSS •• Penrith Womens Health •• FaCS Campbelltown/Camden •• PHAMS • •• Mountains Outreach and • Campbelltown SHLV •• Thelma Brown Cottages • Community Services • Chisholm BCS •• WASH House •• Stronger Families Alliance •• Community Links Wollondilly •• TAFE •• DAWN •• Victims of Crime Counsellor •• Domestic Violence Court •• Wentworth Area Housing Advocacy Service Macarthur NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

68 Wimlah Women & Children’s Refuge

Our staff

Wimlah Management Domestic Violence Support Sarah Eberhardt Western Sydney Service Service Supporters Manager (from September 2012) Penny Wood •• ALDI Supermarket Coordinator Tracy Howe •• Allanah and Madeline Foundation Manager (to September 2012) Vivien Hens •• Bendigo Bank Administration •• Blackheath Golf Club Women’s Support Team Chris McGillion Sue Coombes •• Blue Mountains City Council Bookkeeper (to Oct) •• Blue Mountains Roller Derby Women’s Support/Outreach Gillian Cohen League Danae Amies Research Project Worker (to Nov) •• Blue Mountains Sports and Women’s Support/Outreach/ Aquatic Centre Administration •• CHEP Bronwyn Hall Management •• Drive Program Volunteers Women’s Support/Groups •• Featherdale Wildlife Park Kylie Mott Committee •• Fox Studios Women’s Support/Outreach/ Marilyn Fogarty •• Glenns Driving School Groups (to Jan) Chair •• Hominy Bakery Celia Lotus Joy Cavanagh •• Mountain High Pies Women’s Support/Outreach/Same Treasurer •• Scenic World Katoomba Sex DV Specialist (to Jul) Leslie Baker •• Schwartz’s Bakery Vivien Hens Committee Member •• St Vincent De Paul Relief •• Tea for Toys Maureen Lacey Cathy Newton Committee Member •• Trivett Car Dealership Relief (to Jan) •• Volunteer Tutor and English Eleanor Griffin Teacher Relief (to Jun) •• Women of Wonder fundraiser musicians and artist Children’s Support Team •• Zonta Ruth Grace Team Leader/Children’s Support/ Outreach/Groups Maria Le Breton Children’s Support/Outreach/ Mentoring/Groups Drive Program Mary Cant Project Worker/Groups (to Jun)

Mudgee Project Alex Turner Community Development Worker Bookkeeper/Financial Officer Brenda Roberts (to Mar) NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

69 Woy Woy Women & Children’s Service

Overview

Woy Woy Women and Children’s Exit points for clients continue to be I would also like to thank our Service (WWWCS) has had yet a significant problem here on the outgoing Management Committee another busy year supporting women Central Coast with the availability of members Jill Evans and Michelle and children and adjusting to a new private rentals only being 1% and the Baumgardner for their constant and management structure. This year increasing cost of rentals now pricing continuing support of WWWCS. women and children out of the has seen us move from regional I would also like to acknowledge market. This service has been unable based management to Sydney Ms Carol Fitton, our outgoing book to house any clients with Housing based management with all financial keeper for her many years of service Australia and rely heavily on the one records and payments now being with us. handled by the Business Centre. medium term housing association here on the Coast (Katakudu). WWWCS is looking forward to 2013/ The Central Coast unfortunately has 2014 and implementing the GHSH WWWCS has a longstanding one of the highest reported rates of reforms within our service provision. domestic violence in NSW. This and compliment of staff, who are the fact that Woy Woy is the closest committed to and skilled in supporting women and their dependent children, regional refuge to Sydney means a Sue Cable I take this opportunity to thank them huge and ever increasing demand on Manager our service - with turn away figures for their tireless work and dedication for the service supporting this. to their positions. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

70 Our work Prevention WWWCS participated in the following WWWCS distributed white ribbons Many of the women who attend are prevention activities. to businesses on the coast, targeting referred by Human Services DOCS, men to help raise awareness of DV Central Coast Health and local courts NAIDOC Day and its effects on the victims and but women do also self-refer. WWWCS participated in an annual community. We also run closed groups for targeted NAIDOC Day celebration on the WWWCS also participated in a White groups at other services e.g. Durralong Central Coast, distributing information Ribbon walk at Terrigal, attended by Transformation Centre which is a drug about our service and assisting Police and welfare services on the and alcohol rehabilitation Centre for with enquiries and referrals to other Central Coast it also included survivors women and Maya Cottage which is a services. of DV and members of the general medium term refuge for young girls. public. We distributed information Day of Action Against Sexual Assault Towards Better Practice Program about DV and services we provide, The Day of Action Against Sexual marching from the esplanade to the We remain involved in this program Assault was held in Kibble Park and Skillion and back. The event attracted where our workers support women attracted hundreds of women and lots a lot of media coverage from television, who are currently under the care of of media attention. radio and newspapers. the Mental Health clinic. These women are offered ongoing outreach on a International Women’s Day Presentations regular basis for their DV issues while Workers from this service join with Workers make presentations to other working in conjunction with the home other women and services on the organisations explaining our role in the basedtreatment team for their mental Central Coast to march down the main community; information on domestic health needs. street of Gosford to ensure women’s violence is provided, and how we can Community Outreach & Referral issues stay firmly on the agenda of assist women both in-house and on WWWCS offers one on one outreach local politicians and others. an outreach basis. Some of these to women and children in the information sessions have resulted in Costal Connect Day community. Assistance is given to referrals being made to WWWCS. Coastal Connect Day brings together complete forms for Centrelink, Housing agencies on the Coast to support and general information, often referrals the homeless and people at risk of Early intervention are made to Staying Home Leaving becoming homeless. Butterfly Group Violence (SHLV), drug and alcohol agencies and long term counselling. Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras & Fair Day WWWCS workers designed and now facilitate the Butterfly Group for women WWWCS has informal partnerships WWWCS workers are active in both living with or escaping domestic with SHLV, Housing, Katakudu these events that are held in Sydney, violence. We endeavor to run two Women’s Housing, and Central Coast these events give WWWCS the groups per term in the community. Mental Health Unit. opportunity to inform the community that domestic violence is a crime Topics covered include: Court Support and that we support all women •• What is Domestic Violence? This outreach includes supporting experiencing domestic violence •• Domestic violence myths & facts women in court for AVO’s and regardless of sexual preference. •• What is emotional abuse & hearings. A worker is seconded brainwashing? to Gosford, Woy Woy & Wyong 16 Days of Activism Local Courts to assist with AVO •• Self Esteem The 16 Days of Activism encompasses days which often lead to referrals •• Healthy relationships & boundaries White Ribbon Day and National for outreach. Follow up is always Domestic Violence Day. •• Effects of DV on children offered and many attend Butterfly •• Ways to Move On groups in the community. NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

71 Crisis Support & Intensive, Individualised Case Post Crisis Management Rapid re-housing WWWCS offers crisis accommodation Women presenting with drug WWWCS has no exit housing attached for six to eight weeks for women and and alcohol problems along with to our service. domestic violence are referred to the their dependent children who are Due our relationship with local sister Drug and Alcohol Service attached to escaping domestic violence or are refuge Elandra, WWWCS has on Central Coast Health. They work with homeless or at risk of homelessness. occasion been offered the opportunity clients by assisting them address WWWCS has a fully equipped child to house women in their exit house their addictions while crisis workers support room where children can when they have noone in their service are case managing the DV needs. play and explore and each family has suitable or ready for occupancy. Whilst working in conjunction their own room. We provide all food, WWWCS also make referrals to with these services, regular case utilities, transport, internet access and Katakudu which is a program that conferences are held to make financial assistance where required. provides medium term housing for sure the client is receiving the best After an initial assessment, workers suitable clients who are no longer in care possible to meet their goals. provide an integrated, individualised crisis and ready to exit the service. Support workers liaise with schools, case management plan for each When properties become available, solicitors, courts, medical centres, woman and child. Where women Katakudu contacts WWWCS and Department of Immigration, medium presenting with complex needs referrals can be made. term housing, Centrelink and other such as drug and alcohol, mental Government agencies. Workers also Unfortunately WWWCS has health or immigration issues attend court with clients whether been unable to form any positive workers contact relevant services it is supporting them through the relationships with individual real estate to work in conjunction to best meet AVO process and any associated agencies due to not only the demand the clients need. charges or supporting them with for private rentals on the Central Coast An example of this is where women Family Law matters. which are limited and expensive, but and children without immigration their reluctance to assist women in WWWCS staff assist women to status or income access our service refuges because of their history of become more empowered, to be able will be supported financially by domestic violence. to make informed and safe decisions WWWCS and in conjunction with to secure a better safer future for Support workers assist women to immigrant support services are themselves and their children. secure private rentals, primarily by assisted to make application for accessing the Start Safely Program permanent residency. Children with Housing NSW. For a woman and/or her children WWWCS has a Child Support presenting with both sexual assault Worker who provides support,case Outreach & other supports management and advocacy to and domestic violence issues, Women who are housed in medium children residing in the service. Our workers collaborate with the Central term housing through Katakudu Coast Biala Sexual Assault Service Child Support Worker runs through move from being case managed by and co-case manage to deliver the the protective behavior program WWWCS to being case managed by best outcome for the client. with all children over the age of five. Katakudu support workers, however Women presenting with mental All school aged children are once their housing term is complete health issues are referred to Central expected to attend school whilst and they move to independent living Coast Mental Health home based in refuge and the child support women are free to contact WWWCS treatment team who assist in worker assists the mum’s with to access outreach. monitoring the clients mental health school enrollments and uniforms. Long term outreach support is given whilst workers case manage her Excursions to the zoo and fun parks to women who may find themselves domestic violence issues are also planned for school holidays. in long drawn out Family Law Court NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

72 Woy Woy Women & Children’s Service

Partners & Supporters Our Staff cases or if they have found more Organisations that have assisted Sue Cable permanent accommodation and still WWWCS financially or with Manager have on going local court matters such donations have been: as AVO’s. Helen Brown •• Probus Outreach Worker Outreach may also refer to relevant •• Round-about-Op shop services for issues that may arise for Deb Catt •• Henry Kendall Retirement Village exiting clients, such as budgeting Women’s Crisis Worker •• Vietnam Veterins needs, employment training referrals Carol Kingi and assistance in returning to work. •• Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club Women’s Crisis Worker •• Lions WWWCS is an active partner in the Chris Kerr Central Coast Homeless Brokerage •• SHLV – Staying Home Leaving Child Support Worker program. Brokerage funding refers to Violence Monica Miller the flexible use of designated funds •• I.C.A – International Community Relief Worker to purchase goods and services Advocates to enable eligible clients to achieve • positive housing outcomes and • Coast Shelter maintain their tenancies. Brokerage •• Central Coast ADVICE Managment funds are only used if there are •• CCCHS no alternate sources of financial •• Central Coast Mental Health Committee assistance available to address • the client’s needs. Consistent with • Kariong Neighbourhood Centre outcomes identified in the client’s •• Central Coast Family Support Jill Evans Chair case management plan, brokerage •• Centacare funds may be provided for expenses •• Elandra Women and Children’s Michelle Baumgardner to address issues which impact on Service Secretary their capacity to sustain housing and therefore prevent homelessness. •• Central Coast Loss and Grief Society NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

73 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

74 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (Formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN 51 326 110 595

ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

75 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (Formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN 51 326 110 595

Table of Contents

Committee Members Report 3-4 Financial Statements Statement of Comprehensive Income 5 Statement of Financial Position 6 Statement of Changes in Members' Funds 7 Statement of Cash Flows 8 Notes to the Financial Statements 9-16 Committee Members Declaration 17 Independent Audit Report 18 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

76 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORT

The members of the management committee present their report on the Domestic Violence NSW Incorporated (formerly known as the NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ("the Association") for the financial year ended 30 June 2013.

Committee Members The names of the members in office at any time during or since the end of the financial year are:

Gayle Halloran (Chairperson) Wafa Zaim Nav Navratil June Wilson Julie Sudiro Jan McDonald Penny Wood Mary Ronayne (appointed on 19 April 2013) Debbie Gaudie (appointed on 16 August 2013) Daleanne Haynes (resigned on 19 April 2013) Karen Gardener (resigned on 19 April 2013) Narelle Hand (resigned on 2 November 2012)

Strategy and objectives The Association works to eliminate domestic and family violence through leadership in advocacy, partnerships and the promotion of best practice.

The Association's strategies to deliver the mission include: • Research, policy development, advice to government and the feminine sector; • Supporting the development and implementation of coordinated primary prevention work and integrated responses to victims of domestic and family violence that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of victims and seek to hold perpetrators of domestic and family violence accountable; • Systemic advocacy and representation to government and other decision makers; • Training and education; • Supporting the development of good practice DFV responses and services, including primary prevention; • Information dissemination within our membership and to the community; • Sector consultation and coordination; and • Sector capacity building to enable better service delivery and functioning of community organisations.

Principal Activities The principal activities of the Association during the financial year continued to be a state-wide representative body for associated specialist domestic and family violence services within NSW.

Performance measures The incorporated association measures its performance against the key performance indicators of financial performance to budget and the policy and advocacy outcomes. Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

3 77 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

Other matters On 11 July 2013, the Association obtained the formal approval for the change of name to Domestic Violence NSW Incorporated.

On 1 September 2013, the Association went through a demerger to split the peak body arm from the service delivery arm. As a consequence, the service delivery arm became incorporated as a separate legal entity, Domestic Violence NSW Service Management Limited.

This split has allowed the peak body to focus on its critical function and activities as a state-wide representative body for associated specialist domestic and family violence services within NSW. Meanwhile, the new entity provides direct quality support and services to women and children living with or escaping domestic and family violence.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Members of the Committee

Gayle Halloran Chairperson

Dated in Sydney this 23rd day of October 2013 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

4 78 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

2012 Note 2013 Restated $ $ Revenue 3 7,559,979 7,587,243 Employee benefits expense (4,970,249) (4,446,893) Depreciation expense 4 (395,862) (408,623) Professional fees (457,857) (249,603) Client expenses (562,931) (694,260) Project expenses (85,186) (218,278) Rent and occupancy expenses (338,052) (449,822) Conference and meeting expenses (155,108) (390,144) Motor vehicle expenses (167,552) (152,325) Travel expenses (82,896) (77,575) Computer and telecommunication expenses (166,638) (162,591) Other expenses (272,825) (400,313)

Loss before income tax 4 (95,177) (63,184)

Income tax expense - - Loss after income tax expense for the year attributable to members of the Association (95,177) (63,184)

Other comprehensive income after income tax - -

Total comprehensive income attributable to members of the Association (95,177) (63,184) Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 5 79 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2013

2012 Note 2013 Restated $ $ Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 6 1,894,447 1,918,058 Trade and other receivables 7 100,020 30,046 Other current assets 67,226 60,839 Total current assets 2,061,693 2,008,943

Non-current assets Plant and equipment 8 1,293,064 1,510,884 Total non-current assets 1,293,064 1,510,884

Total assets 3,354,757 3,519,827

Current liabilities Trade and other payables 9 478,031 60,157 Employee benefits current 10 480,783 418,589 Other current liabilities 11 266,033 823,477 Total current liabilities 1,224,847 1,302,223

Non-current liabilities Employee benefits non-current 10 119,380 111,897 Total non-current liabilities 119,380 111,897

Total liabilities 1,344,227 1,414,120

Net assets 2,010,530 2,105,707

Members' funds Retained surplus 12 2,010,530 2,105,707 Total members' funds 2,010,530 2,105,707 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 6 80 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS' FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Retained Note Surplus $

Balance as at 30 June 2011 2,029,340 Adjustment resulting from prior period error 2 139,551

Balance as at 30 June 2011 (as restated) 2,168,891 Loss attributable to members (as restated) 2 (63,184) Total comprehensive income (63,184)

Balance as at 30 June 2012 (as restated) 2,105,707

Loss attributable to members (95,177) Total comprehensive income (95,177) Balance as at 30 June 2013 2,010,530 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 7 81 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Note 2013 2012 $ $ Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST) 267,217 418,518 Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) (7,517,327) (7,985,032) Grants received 7,236,530 7,590,271 Donations received 97,745 138,784 Interest received 65,826 107,435

Net cash provided by operating activities 149,991 269,976

Cash flow from investing activities Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment 164,533 309,326 Payments for plant and equipment (338,135) (768,055)

Net cash used in investing activities (173,602) (458,729)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (23,611) (188,753)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of financial year 1,918,058 2,106,811

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of financial year 6 1,894,447 1,918,058 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 8 82 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

New, revised or amending Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted

The Association has adopted all of the new, revised or amending Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board ('AASB') that are mandatory for the current reporting period.

The Association has early adopted AASB 1053 'Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards', AASB 2010-2 'Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements' and later amending Standards, as relevant. No other new, revised or amending Accounting Standards or Interpretations that are not yet mandatory have been early adopted.

Any significant impact on the accounting policies of the Association from the adoption of these Accounting Standards and Interpretations are disclosed below. The adoption of these Accounting Standards and Interpretations did not have any significant impact on the financial performance or position of the Association.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements are general purpose financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the New South Wales, Associations Incorporation Act 2009 and the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. The Association is a not-for-profit entity for financial reporting purposes under Australian Accounting Standards.

Historical cost convention The financial statements, except for the cash flow information, have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historical costs, modified, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities. The amounts presented in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest dollar.

The financial statements were authorised for issue on 23 October 2013 by the committee.

Income Tax As the incorporated association is a charitable institution in terms of subsection 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, as amended, it is exempt from paying income tax.

Revenue recognition Revenue is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefit will flow to the Association and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

Grant revenue is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income when it is controlled. When there are conditions attached to grant, revenue relating to the use of those grants for specific purposes is recognised in the Statement of Financial Position as a liability until such conditions are met or services provided.

Membership fee revenue is recognised upon receipt when no significant uncertainty as to its collectability exists. Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

9 83 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Revenue recognition(continued) Donations and bequests are recognised as revenue when received unless they are designated for a specific purpose, where they are carried forward as prepaid income in the Statement of Financial Position.

Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets.

Other revenue is recognised when the right to receive the revenue has been established.

Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables are recognised at amortised cost, less any provision for impairment.

Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Depreciation The depreciable amount of all fixed assets including capitalised leased assets, are depreciated using the straight line method, at rates based on their estimated useful lives to the Association commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Leasehold improvements are amortised over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.

The depreciation rates and methods used for each class of financial assets are as follows:

Class of fixed asset Depreciation rates Office equipment 10%-33% Furniture and fittings 10%-30% Motor vehicles 20%-25% Property improvements 7.5%-25%

The residual values and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at each balance date.

An item of plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when there is no future economic benefit to the Association. Gains and losses between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds are taken to profit or loss.

Impairment of non-financial assets Non-financial assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.

Recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. The value-in-use is the present value of the estimated future cash flows relating to the asset using a pre-tax discount rate specific to the asset or cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Assets that do not have independent cash flows are grouped together to form a cash-generating unit. Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

10 84 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Leases Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

Trade and other payables These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the incorporated association prior to the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature they are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Employee Benefits Provision is made for the Association’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those benefits.

Contributions are made by the Association to employee superannuation funds and are charged as expense when incurred.

Goods and Services Tax Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of the goods and services tax ("GST"), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office ("ATO"). In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority is included in other receivables or other payables in the statement of financial position.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

Comparative Figures Where required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation for the current financial year.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments The directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data, obtained both externally and within the Association.

Key Estimates – Useful lives of assets The Association determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation and amortisation charges for its property, plant and equipment and finite life intangible assets. The useful lives could change significantly as a result of technical innovations or some other event. The depreciation and amortisation charge will increase where the useful lives are less than previously estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold will be written off or written down. Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

11 85 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments (continued) Key Estimates – Impairment The directors assess impairment on each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the Association that may lead to impairment of assets. Where an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. Value-in-use calculations performed in assessing recoverable amounts incorporate a number of key estimates. No impairment has been recognised in respect of any assets for the year ended 30 June 2013.

Key Judgments – Doubtful Debts Provision Except as disclosed in the financial statements, the directors have assessed each debtor and believe that the full amount of debtors is recoverable.

NOTE 2: PRIOR PERIOD ERRORS

Revenue recognition In the prior year, the Association received grant of $55,127 from the AVON foundation which was recognised as income. It was noted during the current year that the control had not been achieved as the purpose of the grant was not controlled until the 2013 financial year and thus, this has been adjusted. The effect of the correction in the prior year statement of financial position is to increase the grant in advance reported as other current liabiltiies and decrease equity by $55,127. The effect of the adjustment in the statement of comprehensive income is to decrease the revenue and increase the loss by $55,127.

Employee entitlements The Association accrued amount for sick leave entitlements in prior year. However, the Association does not have liability for those entitlements until the amounts were taken by the employees, thus, adjustments were made to reverse the amounts accrued from prior year. The effect of the correction of error is to decrease the provision balance in other current liabilities by $153,359, increase the beginning retained surplus by $139,551, and decrease the employee benefit expense and the loss attributable to members by $13,808.

2012 NOTE 3: REVENUE 2013 Restated $ $ (a) Operating activities Grants received 7,085,431 6,979,932 Donations 97,745 138,784 Resident fees 95,002 97,057 Membership fees 43,068 41,266 Other revenue 168,467 211,075 7,489,713 7,468,114 (b) Non-operating activities Interest income 65,826 107,435 Net gain on sale of asset 4,440 11,694

Total Revenue 7,559,979 7,587,243 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

12 86 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 4: LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX 2013 2012 $ $ Loss before income tax has been determined after :

(a) Expenses Depreciation Office equipment 82,202 78,091 Furniture and fittings 48,881 67,710 Motor vehicles 189,831 186,232 Property improvements 74,948 76,590 Total depreciation of plant and equipment 395,862 408,623

Rental expense on operating leases: Minimum lease payments 73,664 90,364

Superannuation expense Defined contribution superannuation expense 342,916 324,427

NOTE 5: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The aggregate compensation made to key management personnel of the Association is set out below:

Aggregate compensation 440,387 442,154

Key Management is the Chief Executive Officer and the management committee members.

Other transactions with the Association All transactions with members and member related entities were contracted on the same commercial terms and conditions offered to other parties. These transactions generally relate to membership fees.

NOTE 6: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(a) Current Cash on hand 26,650 72,832 Cash at bank 1,867,797 1,845,226 1,894,447 1,918,058 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

13 87 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 7: TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 2013 2012 $ $ (a) Current Trade receivables 97,034 28,756 Other receivables 2,986 1,290 100,020 30,046

(b) Terms and Conditions Receivables are non-interest bearing and unsecured.

NOTE 8: PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Office equipment - at cost 554,774 535,645 Less: accumulated depreciation (382,925) (314,265) 171,849 221,380

Furniture and fittings - at cost 497,741 483,136 Less: accumulated depreciation (358,371) (309,491) 139,370 173,645

Motor vehicles - at cost 969,205 969,414 Less: accumulated depreciation (287,649) (214,077) 681,556 755,337

Property improvements - at cost 680,925 670,719 Less: accumulated depreciation (380,636) (310,197) 300,289 360,522

Total Plant and Equipment 1,293,064 1,510,884

Movement in Carrying Amounts Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of plant and equipment between the beginning and the end of the current financial year:

Office Furniture Motor Property equipment and fittings vehicles improvements Total $ $$ $ $ 2013 Balance at 1 July 2012 221,380 173,645 755,337 360,522 1,510,884 Additions 38,814 14,606 270,000 14,715 338,135 Disposals (6,143) - (153,950) - (160,093) Depreciation expense (82,202) (48,881) (189,831) (74,948) (395,862) Carrying amount at 30 June 2013 171,849 139,370 681,556 300,289 1,293,064 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

14 88 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

2012 NOTE 9: TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 2013 Restated $ $

(a) Current

Trade payables 150,049 19,222 Accrued expenses 133,249 23,648 GST payable 83,346 2,004 Other payables 111,387 15,283 478,031 60,157

(b) Term and conditions

All other payables are non-interest bearing and unsecured.

NOTE 10: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

(a) Current Employee benefits - annual leave 325,125 299,455 Employee benefits - long service leave 155,658 119,134 480,783 418,589

(b) Non-current Employee benefits - long service leave 119,380 111,897

NOTE 11: OTHER LIABILITIES

Grants in advance 266,033 823,477

NOTE 12: RETAINED SURPLUS

Retained surplus at the beginning of the financial year 2,105,707 2,168,891 Loss for the year (95,177) (63,184) 2,010,530 2,105,707 Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

15 89 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 13: LEASE COMMITMENTS 2013 2012 Operating lease commitments $ $ Non-cancelable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised in the financial years Payable - not later than one Year 51,544 49,683 - later than one year and not later than five years 9,262 46,390 60,806 96,073

General description of leasing arrangement Operating leases consist primarily of office premises rent with expiry terms ranging from one to two years. All leases are non-cancellable leases, with rent payable monthly in advance.

NOTE 14: EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE

On 1 September 2013, the Association went through a demerger to split the peak body arm from the service delivery arm. As a consequence, the service delivery arm became incorporated as a separate legal entity, Domestic Violence NSW Service Management Limited ("DVSM").

This split has allowed the peak body to focus on its critical function and activities as a state-wide representative body for associated specialist domestic and family violence services within NSW. Meanwhile, the new entity provides direct quality support and services to women and children living with or escaping domestic and family violence.

The split resulted in the transfer of a provisional amount of accumulated funds totalling $1,900,650 from the Association to DVSM.

NOTE 15: INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED UNDER CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING ACT 1991

The Association is authorised to fundraise under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 . No fundraising appeals were conducted during the period and as such the Association did not utilise this authority in order to meet its charitable fundraising purposes.

NOTE 16: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 2013 2012 $ $

Bank guarantees 9,813 -

The Association provided security deposit guarantee related to its office lease. Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

16 90 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED ABN: 51 326 110 595 (formerly known as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc.) ABN: 51 326 110 595 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE DECLARATION NOTE 13: LEASE COMMITMENTS 2013 2012 Operating lease commitments $ $ The members of the management committee of Domestic Violence NSW Incorporated (formerly known Non-cancelable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised as NSW Women's Refuge Movement Inc) declare that: in the financial years Payable 1. The financial statements and notes as set out on pages 5 to 16 : - not later than one Year 51,544 49,683 - later than one year and not later than five years 9,262 46,390 a. are in accordance with the Association Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW); 60,806 96,073 b. give a true and fair view of the financial position as at 30 June 2013 and of the General description of leasing arrangement performance for the financial ended on that date of the Association; and Operating leases consist primarily of office premises rent with expiry terms ranging from one to two years. All c. comply with Australian Accounting Standards Reduced Disclosure Requirements leases are non-cancellable leases, with rent payable monthly in advance. (including Australian Accounting Standards Interpretations) of the Australia Accounting Standards Board.

NOTE 14: EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE 2. In the members opinion:

On 1 September 2013, the Association went through a demerger to split the peak body arm from the service a. the provisions of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 , the regulations under that Act delivery arm. As a consequence, the service delivery arm became incorporated as a separate legal entity, Domestic and the conditions attached to the authority have been complied with; and Violence NSW Service Management Limited ("DVSM"). b. there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Association will be able to pay its debts This split has allowed the peak body to focus on its critical function and activities as a state-wide representative as and when they become due and payable. body for associated specialist domestic and family violence services within NSW. Meanwhile, the new entity provides direct quality support and services to women and children living with or escaping domestic and family violence. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Committee.

The split resulted in the transfer of a provisional amount of accumulated funds totalling $1,900,650 from the Association to DVSM.

NOTE 15: INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED UNDER CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING ACT 1991 Gayle Halloran The Association is authorised to fundraise under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 . No fundraising appeals were Chairperson conducted during the period and as such the Association did not utilise this authority in order to meet its charitable fundraising purposes.

Dated in Sydney this 23rd day of October 2013 NOTE 16: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 2013 2012 $ $

Bank guarantees 9,813 -

The Association provided security deposit guarantee related to its office lease. Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s

16 17 91

        

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NSW WOMEN’S REFUGE MOVEMENT INC.)

Report on the Financial Report

We have audited the accompanying financial report of Domestic Violence NSW Incorporated (formerly known as NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Inc.) (‘the Association’) which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2013, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in members’ funds and statement of cash flows for the period then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the committee members’ declaration.

Committee Members’ Responsibility for the Financial Report

The committee members’ of the Association are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the committee members, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Independence

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements.

Consolidated Independant Auditor’s Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s                                  92

 Opinion  

  In our opinion, the financial report of Domestic Violence NSW Incorporated (formerly known as NSW   Women’s Refuge Movement Inc.) is in accordance with the Associations Incorporation Act 2009   (NSW), including:

a) giving a true and fair view of the Association’s financial position as at 30 June 2013 and of its INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT performance for the period ended on that date; and

TO THE MEMBERS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NSW INCORPORATED (FORMERLY KNOWN AS b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements NSW WOMEN’S REFUGE MOVEMENT INC.) (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW).

Report on the Financial Report We also report that the financial statements and associated records of the Association have been properly kept during the year in accordance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. We have audited the accompanying financial report of Domestic Violence NSW Incorporated (formerly known as NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Inc.) (‘the Association’) which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2013, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of Other Matter changes in members’ funds and statement of cash flows for the period then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the committee The financial report of the Association as at 30 June 2012 was audited by another auditor who members’ declaration. expressed an unqualified opinion on the financial report on 9 October 2012.

Committee Members’ Responsibility for the Financial Report

The committee members’ of the Association are responsible for the preparation of the financial report Moore Stephens Sydney that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Chartered Accountants Disclosure Requirements (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Melissa Alexander Auditor’s Responsibility Partner

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to Dated in Sydney this 23 day of October 2013 obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the committee members, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Independence

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of Australian professional ethical pronouncements.

                  Report Consolidated Independant Auditor’s               19  93 Acknowledgments

Working Party Representatives

Support Group Delegate Service Services Represented Chair Narelle Hand Bringa Gayle Halloran Taree Women & Children’s Refuge (from Nov 2012)

Vice Chair Nav Navratil Clarence River Women’s Refuge and Outreach Services

Treasurer Daleanne Haynes Forbes Women’s Refuge (to Apr 2013) Jan McDonald Carrie’s Place

Secretary Karen Gardener Dolores Single Women’s Refuge (to Apr 2013) Julie Sudiro Warilla

Public Officer Taryn Champion Office of the NSW WRM

Support Group Delegate Service Services Represeted Central Coast/ Jan McDonald Carrie’s Place Carrie’s Place, Eastlakes, Elandra, Faith Hunter Cottage, Jenny’s Place, Muswellbrook, Westlakes, Warlga Ngurra, Woy Woy

Greater North West June Wilson Kempsey Women’s Refuge Clarence River, Hastings, Kempsey, Northern Rivers, Lismore Aboriginal Women’s Refuge, Manning District, Tweed Shire, Warrina, Warrina WDVCAS, Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence (Hastings WR), Armidale, Inverell, Ngala House

Orana Mary Roynane Bourke Women and Children’s Lightning Ridge, Barwon Cottage, Bourke (from 2013) Safe House Women and Children’s Safe House & Wilcannia Women and Children’s Safe House

Riverina Daleanne Haynes Forbes Women’s Refuge Forbes, Griffith, Wagga Wagga (outgoing Mar 2013)

South Coast Julie Sudiro Warilla Bega Women’s Refuge , Louisa, Wollongong Women’s Refuge, Rosa Shoalhaven, Warilla

Sydney Metropolitan Karen Gardener Dolores Single Women’s Refuge Amelie House, Bringa Women’s Resource (outgoing Feb 2013) Centre, Delvena, Erin’s Place, Marian Villa, St Louise, Dolores Single Women’s, Elsie’s, Jean’s Place, Killara, Marian Centre

West Penny Wood Western Sydney Domestic Bathurst, Essie’s, Joan Harrison, /South West Metro Violence Support Service Marcia, Muslim Women’s Support Centre, Pam’s /Country Place, Penrith, Wimlah, Jessie St DV

Support Group Delegate Service Services Represeted

Lesbian Advocacy & Nav Navratil Clarence River Women’s Refuge and N/A Spcialist Support Group Peer Support Outreach Services

Walan Jineras Vacant Vacant N/A Spcialist Support Group

CALD Wafa Zaim Muslim Women’s Support Centre N/A Spcialist Support Group

Child Support Narelle Hand Bringa N/A Spcialist Support Group (to October 2012)

Older Women Gayle Halloran Taree Women & Children’s Refuge N/A Spcialist Support Group NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Annual Report 2012/13 NSW Women’s

94 Commercial donations aden&anais Australian Pharmaceutical Publishing Company Bauer Media group including SHOP Cardinal Ave Knitters CHOICE Community & Public Sector Union Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry DHL Couriers (Bernie Dagg) Disability Services Australia (Condell Park) Emmanuel Synagogue (Bondi) Hunters Hill Quilters Knit4Charities Newington Cottage, Wyvern House Pacific Magazines (Cosmo, Cleo, Dolly and Girlfriend magazines) QANTAS Reclaim the Night (Sydney) Ryde Furniture Freighters Shimmy Mob (Bellingen) The Body Shop

Significant individual donations Michael Bloom Catherine Oh

And the many other generous donations throughout the year. Our vision is a world where women and children live free from violence, have equal rights, opportunities and freedom to reach their potential.