The Minister for Women and the Minister for Family and Community Services, the Hon Pru Goward was in Port Macquarie last Thursday, September 27, to meet with the management team of the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge.
During her visit, Minister Goward also inspected the Domestic Violence Support Room at the Port Macquarie Police Station, visit the Liberty Cottage Outreach Centre as well as meet with the staff of the Department of Housing.
Before the event, Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said she was pleased the minister had taken time out of her busy schedule to come back to the electorate.
“I am particularly pleased that we will be able to meet with the Management Team of the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge,” Mrs Williams said.
“While available statistics reveal that the Mid North Coast does have a high number of incidences of domestic violence, too often it does go unreported which is something that should be addressed.
“If any woman or child is a victim of domestic violence, they should reach out for help and report any incidence to Police or local support services.
“In this year’s State Budget, almost $15 million was allocated for a range of initiatives aimed at improving services for victims of domestic and family violence.
“Minister Goward will also be spending time visiting the Country Women’s Association before addressing the Hastings Business Women’s Network,” Mrs Williams said.
“The Budget also provided funding to assist women to secure better economic opportunities through initiatives with a particular focus on working across Government, business and non-Government organisations to provide increased opportunities for women to entre non-traditional trades.
“Recently Minister Goward launched a mentoring partnership with TAFE NSW to ensure women taking courses in non-traditional trades are provided with support from mentors and future employers,” Mrs Williams said.
For information, support and referrals, call the 24 hour Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 or visit http://www.domesticviolence.nsw.gov.au/ Anyone in immediate danger should call the police on Triple Zero (000).
