Fundraiser for Ballina women and children’s refuge hopes to gain momentum

Liberal NSW MLC Catherine Cusack, Greens MPs Tamara Smith and Labor’s Janelle Saffin will join ambassador Mandy Nolan at a fundraising launch this week.

Momentum Collective’s Women’s and Children’s refuge in Ballina provides a safe place for more than 130 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.

Representatives from all political persuasions will join Women’s Refuge campaign ambassador, Mandy Nolan, to launch a fundraising campaign for a refuge for women and children in Ballina.

Momentum Collective’s Women’s and Children’s refuge in Ballina provides a safe place for more than 130 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.

The centre requires ongoing funding to deliver accommodation and vital domestic and family violence support services.

Liberal NSW MLC Catherine Cusack, Greens MP Tamara Smith and Labor’s Janelle Saffin will help launch the refuge fundraising campaign.

Comedian Mandy Nolan will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Mrs Nolan said domestic and family violence is an issue that concerns the whole community.

“Violence is not a women’s issue, it is a whole of community issue,” she said.

“As someone who grew up in domestic violence, I know what it’s like not to be a child and not have a safe space. As a woman who later lived in domestic violence, I know what it is like to feel the complex stigma.

“It is particularly difficult for women and children in regional areas to find safe space when they are moving away from violence.

“This is why places like the Ballina Women and Children’s Refuge are so important. It provides the support and the protection so that women can start to rebuild their lives.”

Momentum Collective is an organisation that has brought together community organisations such as the Casino Neighbourhood Centre (CNC), On Track Community Programs (OTCP) and Third Sector Australia (3SA).

Momentum Collective’s Service Director Sarah Dybing said the campaign demonstrated that domestic and family violence is everybody’s business.

“We appreciate the fact that our local MPs are coming together to support the Ballina women’s and children’s refuge. It is the only safe harbour for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in our local community,” Ms Dybing said.

Momentum Collective became involved to support the refuge in 2019, and began operating it in 2020.

The Ballina community rallied last year to help renovate and refurbish the refuge to ensure that women and children seeking support would feel welcome and comfortable in the house.

Visit the Momentum Collective website for more information on how to donate and fundraise for the Ballina Women’s and Children’s refuge.