Frontline domestic violence support services in Newcastle and the Hunter will receive an additional funding boost, focusing on building a safer future for survivors.
The NSW and Federal Governments have announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant Program, allocating 45 NSW service providers a share in $8.6M to help more victim-survivors access critical help.
The one-off funding has a minimum grant allocation of $25,000 and can be used for renovations, refurbishments, upgrades and expansions to the women’s shelters and frontline services.
Family Support Newcastle in Waratah is one of the local services receiving funding; the $41,735 will go towards much-needed improvements to the centre.
CEO Sue Hellier said the new improvements would create a more engaging, safe and inclusive environment for the families who regularly visited the Waratah centre for support.
“The children will have better facilities and play spaces outside, where the parents and children will be able to relax and hang together,” she said.
“There will be some interesting play spaces added that will not only provide enjoyment but will be a really pleasant and safe place for these families.
“The indoor refurbishments will provide a nicer environment for our counselling work, which is where we meet with families who are going through some pretty awful stuff, so these upgrades will enhance that environment, making it more comfortable and welcoming.”
Along with improved indoor counselling areas, the upgrades will include a new sandpit, gazebo, seating for parents and children, minor conversions and added ramps to ensure accessibility in all areas, and refurbishments to a demountable.
The centre will also convert a small side veranda into an additional office.
“The enhanced work environment in our office and counselling rooms will improve the conditions for our staff, who regularly deal with these complexities and traumas. The new outdoor spaces will be a pleasant environment for them as well,” Hellier said.
“Our referrals have more than doubled in the last three years, so given the continuing increase in domestic family violence, this infrastructure upgrade will assist us to manage the demand better.
“We are also getting ready for another surge due to the recent COVID-19 restrictions, and that’s why we are really keen to get this funding and begin these upgrades.”
Other Newcastle and Hunter services receiving grants include Newcastle’s Samaritans Foundation, Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services in Maitland, Upper Hunter Homeless Support, Survivor’s R Us Incorporated in Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services.
Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the funding would help vulnerable people who faced extra barriers when escaping unsafe homes.
“I support this funding and the tireless work of these 45 providers, who are making a big difference to families in crisis,” Donovan said.
“This program is going to help improve so many frontline services across a range of works like building or purchasing more accommodation, replacing playground equipment for kids, security-related works, upgrading counselling rooms, and enhancing amenities to support vulnerable women and children.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Senator Anne Ruston said the additional funding would also help services become accessible for people with a disability.
“Other grant recipients will install audio-visual equipment, allowing survivors to give evidence from a secure environment, which is crucial in regional and remote settings,” she said.
The additional funding announcement follows a $90M budget boost to support women and children impacted by domestic violence as part of the NSW Budget.
This included a $60M funding boost to frontline services over two years from the NSW Government and an extra $32.5M over four years to expand the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program.
The SHLV program helps prevent families from becoming homeless or moving away from their support system and community.
In cooperation with NSW Police, the perpetrator is removed from the home so the family can stay where they are.
The program also provides a range of support, including safety planning, improving home security, help to manage finances, support for children, and help with legal processes.
Family Support Newcastle used the initial 2020 SHLV funding to create a position that supported intake, referral, case management and data entry. The announcement of this additional funding to the SHLV program will help further fund this role.
Hellier said they had also managed to set aside internal funds to hire a child support worker, who could help children experiencing domestic and family violence resulting in complex traumas.
“There is a huge gap in this sector, so we are hoping to create a role that will support that,” Hellier said.
“This role will be piloted, assessed and evaluated. I am in conversation with the University of Newcastle to ensure the integrity of the work, assessment and evaluation processes.
“It is separate from any government funding, but it is what we are focusing on internally to address the further demands of family and domestic violence in Newcastle.”
Family Support Newcastle is located at 2 High St Waratah; for more information on services, donations, and support groups, visit the website.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).
Hayley McMahon