Work on domestic violence safe haven Maybanke reaches completion

Work to improve a safe haven for Redlands families fleeing domestic violence has been completed, just in time for one of the most stressful times of the year.

WORK to expand the Redlands’ Maybanke shelter which supports women and children fleeing domestic and family violence has been completed.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer visited the site with local MPs Kim Richards (Redlands) and Don Brown (Capalaba) to see the progress of the additional two units which were being constructed by Housing and Public Works on the existing Maybanke site.

“The most dangerous time for a woman in a violent relationship is when she makes the brave decision to leave, which is why it’s so important we continue to make sure there are safe places to stay,” Ms Farmer said last week.

She said the work was done in time for Christmas, which could be a highly stressful time for families, especially those experiencing domestic violence.

“These new units are the result of an amazing community effort, and I especially want to acknowledge the strong advocacy of Kim Richards and Don Brown in bringing together the community, the Council, and the Palaszczuk Government to make this a reality.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women was providing more than $76,000 in funding per annum for a new domestic and family violence child support worker for the facility.

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“Redlands is a community that is absolutely committed to addressing domestic and family violence, so it’s wonderful we have been able to secure funding to boost that response and back the community’s efforts,” she said.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni, Maybanke Association president Rosemary Skelly, State MP Kim Richards (Redlands), Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams announce a partnership project to upgrade housing and services for domestic violence earlier this year. PICTURE: Paula Shearer.

“Children who have experienced or been exposed to DV (domestic violence) need specialised support, which is why I’m so delighted to have secured funding to employ a children’s worker to help children who stay in the units to heal from trauma they are experiencing as a result of domestic and family violence, as well as practical support like help with their homework

“The new build also includes additional storage space, so staff aren’t having to work around linen and toys stacked up in their offices.”

Member for Capalaba Don Brown said the new build would also include a second outdoor space for children to play safely.

“As well as extra accommodation, we’re also putting in an additional children’s playground at Maybanke,” he said.

“When kids are going through what can be a strange and maybe scary transition like this, it’s so important they have spaces where they can play safely and let a bit of that tension go.

“It’s a little bit of normality for kids in the middle of everything else that’s going on.”

Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government had struck a new partnership with Maybanke following an impressive local fundraising effort that had enabled an extra two new units at the Redlands shelter and head-leases for additional properties in the area to increase the supply of crisis accommodation.

“Our joint message for women living in the Redlands is that you can be assured, if you make the decision to escape a violent relationship, we will help by finding you a place to stay immediately,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Thanks to our incredibly generous community we were able to bring forward more crisis accommodation here with Maybanke, which is supporting 40 construction jobs, and meant we could also head-lease more properties while the brand new units are being built.

“Maybanke is performing probably the most crucial work in our community supporting women and children in need in the Redlands and I am very proud of our collective achievements.”

The improvements come as Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams celebrated the securing of domestic violence support for local governments after significant campaigning throughout the year.

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