Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has joined representatives from Margaret House Refuge and Young Crisis Accommodation Centre to meet with State Ministers for Housing, Women and the Prevention of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence in Parliament House this week.
The meeting discussed potential collaborations to provide more crisis accommodation and housing solutions for women, children and families fleeing domestic violence, and for men and young people at risk of homelessness. Ms Cooke said it was an important step in supporting community-led solutions to domestic and family violence.
“Kerri Palmer at YCAC and Anna Hayes at Margaret House are two incredible women changing the record in our communities, meeting people where they are at, to pursue a brighter future and follow their chosen goals,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Hilltops region is an LGA with the highest levels of domestic violence-related assaults across South East LGAs in the state, and these two organisations are working tirelessly to meet the needs of this growing community.”
Margaret House Refuge is currently in the process of securing funding to create purpose-built units, which could house more than 20 residents at any given time. Ms Cooke noted that with over 356 cases a year presenting to YCAC, urgent action is needed to support projects which address the growing need for crisis accommodation and housing solutions in the electorate.
“The beautiful accommodation proposal presented by Margaret House Refuge is just one example of bespoke projects that can, and will, save lives. As we move closer to Paint the Hilltops Purple Day, on November 22, I hope we can promote more creative, considerate, and compassionate responses to family and domestic violence,” Ms Cooke said.
“I thank Ministers Jackson and Harris for their time speaking with just some of the incredible community leaders across the Cootamundra electorate, raising awareness and supporting those in crisis each day.
“Thank you, to Anna Hayes, Alex Dalglish and Kerri Palmer for travelling to Sydney to make their voices heard, and to speak for those who are too often silenced. Together, we will build a safer, courageous community.”
In Parliament, Ms Cooke again highlighted the advocacy of both the Young Crisis Accommodation Centre and Margaret House Refuge, in a Private Members’ Statement presented to the lower house.
The statement, which acknowledged the challenges faced by YCAC as the only specialised service provider across the electorate, and the opportunity more housing and greater resources could provide in the region.
“Changing attitudes, providing tangible resources to first responders, police and social workers, and identifying those at risk requires us all to stand up where we can, to call for meaningful change and support,” Ms Cooke said in Parliament.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, the Domestic Violence Line (NSW) can be reached on 1800 65 64 63. The national counselling service for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence can be reached on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732.)
The number for Lifeline is 13 11 14, with a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line, 13YARN, available on 13 92 76.