Community shows support for Safe House

Staff on training day at the Women’s Safe House in Gunbalanya.

LAST year, West Arnhem Regional council took over the commitment to run the Women’s Safe House in Gunbalanya to help provide a safe environment for women and children who are victims of family domestic violence.

Today, under the watchful eye of Safe House Coordinator Wendy Bourke, the much-needed service is enjoying strong community support.

Staff are engaged in weekly round-table training to understanding domestic violence and how to respond to clients needs, and will soon be conducting outreach awareness programs.

Wendy said getting the community involved was imperative for the success of the Safe House.

“When Aged Care and the Adjumarllarl Store were approached for ongoing support with donations of food, there was no hesitation,” Wendy said.

“Staff at Aged Care cook up healthy meals every day for clients, and the local store cooks up healthy hearty warm meals which are available in both their take away and later in the afternoon through their supermarket.

“At the Safe House we are now fortunate that both these stakeholders are now supporting us with over-orders.”

Wendy thanked her team for their efforts in providing around-the-clock support with limited funding.

“We thank both community care and the Adjumarllarl Store for their donations and support,” Wendy said

The Women’s Safe House is funded by the NT Department of Children and Families.

Some of the frozen meals donated to Safe House clients by Aged Care and the Adjumarllarl Store.