NEWS
Annual Reports
Media Releases
New Leadership at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter
keep doors open to women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness
HKWS and Bendigo Bank…
…unite to raise $200,000 in 10 days for a Safe Place.
Health professionals…
and domestic violence case managers partner amidst COVID-19 crisis.
Silent Pandemic:
Women facing domestic violence and homelessness are even more vulnerable.
More funding…
…for domestic violence services needed to cope with Christmas and New Year.
Social Media Posts
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SAVE THE DATE: HKWS International Women’s Day Lunch 📅 Thursday February 27, 2025 from 12.30pm 📍 Pymble Golf Club 🎟️ Tickets on sale: 9am January 7, 2025. Limited seats! Guest Speaker: @jessicahelenhill Walkley award winning journalist, author and podcaster, focussing on gendered violence, in particular coercive control. Her Stella prize winning book, See What You Made Me Do, was adapted into an SBS series. Jess speaks regularly to diverse audiences. MC: @nickmcardle_oz HKWS Ambassador, journalist and sports broadcaster with Nine and Stan Sport. Nick has covered many international sports including Rugby, Cricket, Olympics and Tennis. He speaks at varied events. Gather your friends, family and colleagues for an afternoon of community and inspiration. Everyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! #IWD2025 #marchforward The team at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter x
We will be doing Christmas Gift Wrapping at @westfieldhornsby Wednesday and Thursday this week as well as Christmas Eve! ⭐️ December 18 ⭐️ December 19 ⭐️ December 24 Our Christmas Gift Wrapping station at Westfield Hornsby is an annual fundraising activity for the shelter. We would be so grateful for any support you can provide this year. Through our HKWS Christmas Gift Wrapping, you are directly supporting women and children in our community who need help. Thank you Hornsby Westfield for providing this opportunity 🎄💕
💐 Catherine Knox, HKWS Chair, attended the Soroptimist International Hornsby dinner where she was presented with a generous cheque for $7,000. This donation will support our new psychological services for women at the Shelter and those in the community we support. The Hornsby Soroptimist history of supporting HKWS goes back over ten years, and many of the members were instrumental in the establishment of the shelter. Since the Shelter opened in 2015, the members of the local Soroptimist club have fundraised tirelessly, and during the last 9 years have donated $82,000 to HKWS. These significant donations have allowed us to support the women at the shelter in many important ways, such as the provision of new linen for each woman who comes to the shelter, painting therapy essentials, and casework support. We are so grateful to every Soroptimist member for their care, compassion and advocacy. Our ongoing relationship is very special. 🙏We certainly couldn’t do this work without you.
Our wonderful supporter Adele recently used her birthday as an opportunity to raise money to support HKWS 🥳 💖 Blessed by the gift of their company in helping her celebrate, she asked her guests to please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help women facing domestic abuse and homelessness via a dedicated fundraising page. “To know that women 55+ are the fastest growing group of homeless people in Australia is shocking. I truly appreciated the support of family and friends who donated $3,550 to help women in crisis.” - Adele 🌸 🎁 If you would like to add meaning to your special day like Adele, please contact ua.gro.swkh@yoj to discuss setting up a birthday fundraiser!
The @kuringgairotary Christmas Giving Tree will be at the Gordon Centre until Dec 22. Come by, pick up a gift tag and purchase a meaningful Christmas gift for a woman at HKWS.🎄 Thank you to all of those people who have already purchased gifts 🎁 Huge thank you to Cr Barbara Ward, HKWS Patron, and the amazing Rotarians for this special initiative. 💕 Christmas is a challenging time for the women in our care. Together, we can ensure it’s a little brighter. Thank you ⭐️🙏
New dates added!📆📣 We will now be doing Christmas Gift Wrapping at Westfield Hornsby on the following days: ⭐️ December 15 (Volunteers needed!) ⭐️ December 18 ⭐️ December 19 (Volunteers needed!) ⭐️ December 24 Sign up to volunteer via the link in our bio 👆 Our Christmas Gift Wrapping station at Westfield Hornsby is an annual fundraising activity for the shelter. Join our friendly team of volunteers and have some fun, wrapping gifts purchased by shoppers. We would be so grateful for any support you can provide this year. Through our HKWS Christmas Gift Wrapping, you are directly supporting women and children in our community who need help. Thank you 🎄💕
New dates added!📆📣 We will now be doing Christmas Gift Wrapping at Westfield Hornsby on the following days: ⭐️ December 15 (Volunteers needed!) ⭐️ December 18 ⭐️ December 19 (Volunteers needed!) ⭐️ December 24 Sign up to volunteer at https://hkws.supporterhub.net.au/events/hkws-christmas-wrapping-2024 Our Christmas Gift Wrapping station at Westfield Hornsby is an annual fundraising activity for the shelter. Join our friendly team of volunteers and have some fun, wrapping gifts purchased by shoppers. We would be so grateful for any support you can provide this year. Through our HKWS Christmas Gift Wrapping, you are directly supporting women and children in our community who need help. Thank you 🎄💕
📣“Human rights are under assault [...] This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now [...] We must stand up for all rights — always.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres Everyone has a right to safety, and as 16 Days of Activism Ends with World Human Rights day, we recognise the global pledge in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. At HKWS we will keep fighting for these rights - to shelter, safety, dignity and freedom from fear, empowering our community to fight for a better tomorrow. #16daysofactivism #hkws #UnitedNationsHumanRights
![📣“Human rights are under assault [...] This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now [...] We must stand up for all rights — always.”UN Secretary-General António GuterresEveryone has a right to safety, and as 16 Days of Activism Ends with World Human Rights day, we recognise the global pledge in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being.At HKWS we will keep fighting for these rights - to shelter, safety, dignity and freedom from fear, empowering our community to fight for a better tomorrow. #16daysofactivism #hkws #UnitedNationsHumanRights](https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t51.75761-15/470008827_18383358877096147_947400085622504165_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=Vw7hGYNIyBYQ7kNvgFmmtq0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&_nc_gid=AisXIchtzJw4_MJSebvjclg&oh=00_AYCMZ1woByEEkrj77LVZpsWZ67gO-mhZNQLt4b3euvNylA&oe=676C29A6)
📣“Human rights are under assault [...] This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now [...] We must stand up for all rights — always." UN Secretary-General António Guterres Everyone has a right to safety, and as 16 Days of Activism Ends with World Human Rights day, we recognise the global pledge in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. At HKWS we will keep fighting for these rights - to shelter, safety, dignity and freedom from fear, empowering our community to fight for a better tomorrow. #16daysofactivism #hkws #UnitedNationsHumanRights
![📣“Human rights are under assault [...] This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now [...] We must stand up for all rights — always."UN Secretary-General António GuterresEveryone has a right to safety, and as 16 Days of Activism Ends with World Human Rights day, we recognise the global pledge in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being.At HKWS we will keep fighting for these rights - to shelter, safety, dignity and freedom from fear, empowering our community to fight for a better tomorrow. #16daysofactivism #hkws #UnitedNationsHumanRights](https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/469902723_896786595905990_1174729954134752084_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=kH1NbZDT3k8Q7kNvgGPIRaH&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&_nc_gid=AisXIchtzJw4_MJSebvjclg&oh=00_AYDTmKuDrqy5MIJk3TmHvi_pseKR6QD7ffQRvZIawq20mA&oe=676C56DB)
🧡 The leaders of St Pius X College Chatswood, invited HKWS Ambassador and rugby broadcaster Nick McArdle nickmcardle_oz, and Shelter Manager, Angelica Molina, to speak at their White Ribbon Day Assembly to raise awareness of male violence against women. Nick is an incredible role model. “Domestic abuse isn’t just a women’s issue. It is a society issue, a silent pandemic. It is only when the community works together, men and women, that we can help stop abuse” - Nick McArdle, HKWS Ambassador Young men play an important role in finding a solution to end this crisis. The students of St Pius X are sending a strong message to the community. They are keen to learn more and to advocate for the prevention of domestic violence 👏👏
Our wonderful volunteers Bec and Immy were recently interviewed by The Daily Aus about the work they do with the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Women’s Shelter, and the unexpected friendships of volunteering 💜🤩 @womenscommunitysheltersau #Repost @thedailyaus ・・・ Have you ever thought about the unexpected benefits of volunteering? Friendship is just one of those! In partnership with the Department of Social Services. #ad
Have you bought your tickets yet?! 🎄🎵 Musical Director, Phillip Linquist, organist Heather Boyd and the 90+ voices of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Ecumenical Choir will be joined by an ensemble of musicians and young professional soloists singing favourite arias and choruses from Handel's Messiah. 📅 When: Thursday 12 December 8pm 📍 Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Church, 23 Yardley Avenue, Waitara 🎟️ Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1300179 The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai choir has been a longtime supporter of HKWS, and all proceeds from this year’s performance will again support the women who seek our care. Don’t miss out on tickets to this fantastic musical event! 🎶 💝
🎄Join us for Carols at Asquith Oval this Sunday! 📆 When: Sunday 8 December 🌭 BBQ: From 6pm 🙌 Carols: 7:30pm - 9:00pm 👉 Where: Asquith Oval, Mills Av, Asquith 💐We are so grateful that funds raised will be going to HKWS. Thank you to Asquith Church of Christ, Crosslife Chuch, Mt Colah Uniting Church and Sydney Manna Church for putting on a wonderful event for the community and for supporting HKWS. To donate or learn more go to: https://www.asquithcarols.com/
🏷 We are so encouraged by these beautiful notes from some wonderful students at Asquith Girls High School that we wanted to share them with our community. The support from young people and students is so important to our work at HKWS, from fundraising initiatives to engaging in thoughtful discussions with our shelter representatives - we love visiting local schools and educating young minds about these important topics. Thank you to all our community, students and teachers for engaging with us. From, HKWS 💐 #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence #HKWS
🎵🎄 Start your Christmas on a high note! Musical Director, Phillip Linquist, organist Heather Boyd and the 90+ voices of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Ecumenical Choir will be joined by an ensemble of musicians and young professional soloists singing favourite arias and choruses from Handel's Messiah. 📅 When: Thursday 12 December 8pm 📍 Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Church, 23 Yardley Avenue, Waitara 🎟️ Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1300179 Since 2009 the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai choir has presented to the wider community an annual ecumenical performance with any proceeds from the performance given towards supporting the welfare of homeless people in our community 💕 The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai choir has been a longtime supporter of HKWS, and all proceeds from this year’s performance will again support the women who seek our care. We can't wait to hear your beautiful music! 🎶 💝
💐A big thank you to Cr Barbara Ward, HKWS Patron, Ku-ring-gai Councillor, and member of Ku-ring-gai Rotary Club, for her Christmas Giving Tree initiative. The Ku-ring-gai Rotary Christmas Giving Tree, is located at the Gordon Centre, 802 Pacific Hwy, Gordon. 🏷There are gift tags on the tree with Christmas wishes from women and children we support at the shelter and in the community. Please drop by, take a tag, and purchase a gift that will bring a woman or child joy at Christmas. Christmas is a difficult time for the women and children we support. To receive a gift at Christmas sends a powerful message to our residents that they are not alone. That someone in the community is thinking of them. Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield, officially launched the tree. Matt Crossx MP, Ku-ring-gai Councillors Barbara Ward, Kim Wheatley, Martin Smith and Matt Devlin, members of @kuringgairotary and HKWS volunteers also attended the event. 🎄Such a wonderful idea Barbara, we’re so grateful.
🦋 Last month was Mental Health Month, a time to reflect on the connection between domestic and family violence and mental health. During this month, our compassionate Shelter Manager Angelica organised a special Mental Health Lunch for our residents and staff. “We held a mental Health Lunch as a meaningful reminder to consciously prioritise our well-being and make choices that nurture self-love, respect and harmony. It was a wonderful opportunity for residents and staff to come together and reflect on the importance of these values in a supportive environment” - Angelica, Shelter Manager 🪴 🌷 At HKWS our mission is to empower women in crisis to create a better future. Angelica, and our team of caseworkers, work tirelessly every day to provide a full program of holistic support to the women in our care During the 16 Days of Activism, HKWS is committed to prioritising both safety and mental health for women affected by gender-based violence🧡
📣 “We do not tolerate inequality and domestic and family violence” Thank you to the community, schools, local service providers and leaders who joined HKWS for an important walk and took this pledge at Hornsby Activism Network’s #16daysofactivism event. 💐 To every single person who joined us, shared messages of support, and who is dedicated to preventing gender-based violence - thank you. Thank you also to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Domestic Violence Network PCYC Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai NSW Police Force Women's Community Shelters #hkws #womenscommunityshelters
#Repost @womenscommunitysheltersau ・・・ On Friday, WCS Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, visited WCS’ 2nd shelter, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter (HKWS) which opened in 2015. To date in 2024, @hkwshelter has supported 78 women with safe accommodation and helped them to begin new lives, free from homelessness, domestic and family violence. It is always an honour to welcome Her Excellency and share the work of Women’s Community Shelters and our Shelter Network. All Together, we’re working towards an Australia where women are safe, secure, supported, and equal.
🎄Come visit our stall at the Wahroonga Village Fair! 🗓 Sunday 1 December 🕗 9 am - 4pm 📍 Wahroonga Shopping Village These are afew of our favourite Christmas-ready things you'll find at our stall ✔️Present wrapping services ✔️Hand-made Christmas decorations ✔️HKWS T-shirts ✔️HKWS Christmas Cards ✔️Books and more! See you there! @wahroongavillagefair @sosremovalsstoragethornleigh @kuringgai_council @kuringgairotary
🧡Join us and make a difference in your community. Wear a splash of orange and support the global movement of people who hope to create a future free from violence. 📆 27 November 2024 👉9am: Walk together for 30 minutes to demonstrate our commitment to ending gender-based violence. 👉9:30am: Gather together to hear from some inspiring people in our community, and commemorate women who have lost their lives The morning includes guest speakers and a commemorative ceremony, with information stalls and morning tea provided. 💐Thank you to Women's Shed Hornsby Ku-ring-gai, PCYC Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai, NSW Police Force, KNC Care, Rotary District 9685, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Domestic Violence Network, Ku-ring-gai Council, and Hornsby Shire Council for their support. For more information please contact Women’s Shed Hornsby Ku-ring-gai at ua.gro.khsw@ofni
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 Nov - 10 Dec). The UN Women 2024 campaign “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” draws attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women to revitalise commitments, and calls for accountability and action from decision-makers. At HKWS, we believe every woman deserves a life free from violence. Please join us and act locally to help increase awareness and prevent violence against women in our community. We all have a role to play.
💼 Can your business provide employment opportunities to women? The employment status of women coming to HKWS varies greatly. For those women looking for work, gaining access to employment is critical in restoring self-worth and creating a self-reliant future. For some women, securing permanent housing is also dependent on being employed 🌼 📄 Whilst our team of caseworkers works tirelessly to connect women to employment, also supporting them with resume writing and interview preparation, finding the right opportunity can sometimes be challenging. If you are a business owner with employment opportunities, we would love to hear from you! Please contact our Shelter Manager Angelica at ua.gro.swkh@reganam 📧 The acquisition of new skills and gaining employment can be truly life changing for a woman who is starting her life over💜
🧡Join us and make a difference in your community. Wear a splash of orange and support the global movement of people who hope to create a future free from violence. 📆 27 November 2024 👉9am: Walk together for 30 minutes to demonstrate our commitment to ending gender-based violence. 👉9:30am: Gather together to hear from some inspiring people in our community, and commemorate women who have lost their lives The morning includes guest speakers and a commemorative ceremony, with information stalls and morning tea provided. 💐Thank you to Women's Shed Hornsby Ku-ring-gai PCYC Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai NSW Police Force @knccare Rotary District 9685 Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Domestic Violence Network Ku-ring-gai Council and Hornsby Shire Council for their support. For more information please contact Women’s Shed Hornsby Ku-ring-gai at ua.gro.khsw@ofni
📣Do you have loop curtains you can donate to Beecroft House? 📣 Beecroft House provides safe and secure transitional housing to women over 55, for up to two years, with ongoing support to help identify permanent housing solutions. We're looking for x 5 sets of loop blackout curtains to fit windows at Beecroft House that are approx. 1500(w) x 2500(h) mm. The curtains will be used in the bedrooms to make a more comfortable dwelling for the women residing there. 💐If you can help us source these items, please contact ua.gro.swkh@eciffo Thank you, Team HKWS x
Thank you to Kris and the team at Dynamic Motion Physiotherapy for being such wonderful ongoing supporters of HKWS. Earlier this year, they joined Team HKWS in the City2Surf and this week we picked up a range of sanitary items for use at the Shelter. We love this photo of the team! Here's why they support HKWS: 🙌"As the cost of living continues to rise, access to basic necessities is becoming increasingly difficult for many. The dedicated team at HKWS work tirelessly to empower women and support those facing challenges, and we are proud to contribute to their vital work." 🫶 From all of us at HKWS, thank you for supporting women and children in our community who are escaping domestic abuse and homelessness.
'Another woman’s body found. Another sister and daughter remembered. Another life of experience, potential, love and kindness taken. While the crisis of violence against women has been receiving less headlines in recent months, the crisis is very much continuing in every state and territory across Australia.' Read the full article from @womensagenda via the link below: https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/eds-blog/another-family-mourns-another-horror-month-of-violence-against-women/
📣'Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" - Martin Luther King, Jr. HKWS relies on the generosity and compassion of others, and we are so grateful to our community who rally behind our mission every day. Your support empowers women and ensures we can continue to provide shelter, dedicated programs, essential medical and legal assistance, secure permanent housing, and facilitate employment. 👏Through courage, determination and support from community, women at HKWS can rebuild their lives, free from abuse and fear. #HKWS #quoteoftheday #communitysupport
👒A fashion parade of women supporting women!👒 Thank you to Lynne, Dot and everyone involved in a recent fashion parade to raise funds for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter. Attendees were members and friends of the Akuna community at Terrey Hills, along with other friends from Belrose Probus Group. "We had over 75 people come because it is such a good cause and also because there is now more public awareness about domestic violence. It was women supporting women." - Lynne This community of people have supported the Shelter in so many ways over the years. From everyone at HKWS, thank you for once again caring about this important cause and raising vital funds to support the women who seek our care. 💐Events at a grassroots community level like this help to spread crucial awareness of the issue of domestic and family violence and help to support survivors in accessing the services they need. Thank you.
🫶 A heartfelt thank you to the Missions Op Shop (run by the Asquith Church of Christ) who recently donated almost $5K in proceeds from the shop to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. This amount will have a huge impact on the lives of the women who seek our care at HKWS. Our shelter provides holistic and tailored care for women escaping domestic abuse and homelessness. We believe every woman and child deserves shelter, safety, and opportunity. Our services are client-driven and our work is only made possible through the support of amazing individuals and groups in our local community. 💐Thank you to everyone at the Asquith Church of Christ and the volunteers and shoppers at the Missions Op Shop for helping to transform women’s lives. You can learn more about the Missions Op Shop here: https://missionsopshopasquith.squarespace.com/
🔔 Join our Board and make a lasting impact 💜 Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter (HKWS) is looking for passionate individuals to join our Board (voluntary role) and help us support women and mothers facing domestic violence and homelessness. 🌸 Location: Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai LGAs 🌸 Role: Bring your expertise in areas like community engagement, fundraising, or governance to drive real change. 🌸 Commitment: Six board meetings a year, plus regular committee involvement. Help us build a future of safety, support, and empowerment. If you share our values of compassion, integrity, and respect, we'd love to hear from you! 📧 To submit an expression of interest for this role, please send your CV and a cover letter, detailing your interest and the experience you would bring, to HKWS Chair, Catherine Knox at ua.gro.swkh@enirehtac
💐Jo-Ann Moffat and Imogen Roach are two of our incredible and long-standing volunteers at HKWS. Recently they were both awarded a Community Service Award by @kuringgairotary We wanted to share a little bit about each of them with you… Jo-Ann 🤩 has been a supporter of the shelter since 2016. She volunteers her time, creativity and expertise, her family owned business SOS Removals and Storage has also made many impactful financial donations and provided event support. As a valued member of our Community Engagement Committee, Jo has been the brains and creative producer of many HKWS fundraising events over the years. With her wonderful network of family and friends, Jo has transformed ordinary spaces into sophisticated rooms and coordinates volunteers for the annual Bobbin Head Classic Cycle event, a significant undertaking requiring long hours of dedication. A passionate and long-term advocate for the Shelter, Jo most recently spoke at her friend Adele’s birthday fundraiser, where she inspired extraordinary generosity from the guests. Imogen 🥰 started volunteering at HKWS in 2021, our youngest committee member, she writes content and creates posts for our social media (except this post!). While completing her university studies and working, Immy has dedicated time every week to gather content and create posts for HKWS. She is passionate, approachable and reliable with a strong sense of social justice. A cause-driven individual and a feminist who deeply cares about the issue of family and domestic violence. In addition to her role in social media, Imogen’s support of the shelter fundraising is far reaching, and includes contributing to markets, fairs and morning teas, also speaking on behalf of the Shelter at events. Immy is a proactive contributor, always takes things in her stride with such positivity. Most recently, Immy participated and raised funds for HKWS in the City2Surf. Immy is Her passion for women’s rights drives her desire to create a more equitable world. 👏👏 We can’t thank Jo and Immy enough for their tireless support of HKWS and the women who seek our care. We simply couldn’t do this work without you. Thank you.
🎤 “In the 2021 Census, 44.2 per cent of the 122,494 people estimated to be experiencing homelessness were women.“ Today recognises World Homelessness Day. In Australia, there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. This must change. At HKWS we believe everyone deserves shelter and safety. We encourage you to read this article from Women’s Agenda on advocating for women who are the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness. Read the article via this link: https://womensagenda.com.au/politics/local/advocates-call-on-support-for-older-women-and-dv-survivors-this-world-homelessness-day/ #HKWS Women's Community Shelters Women's Agenda
Our Board Member Kate Giles recently spoke about domestic and family violence and the work of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter at The Woniora Retirement Village in Wahroonga 🌸 Kate also spoke about coercive control, sparking lots of questions and meaningful discussion. The Woniora has been an ongoing supporter of HKWS and this year was no different. Thank you to you all for caring about this important work and for standing with the women who seek our care ❤️
🪴 Shelter update 🪴 Just an update to let you all know our herb and veggie garden is thriving! 🙏 We would like to thank Bunnings Thornleigh again for supplying everything we needed, as well as Chris and Ros, our garden angels from Plant Rescue Ku-ring-gai, for facilitating the garden creation! 🍃 The garden is being enjoyed by staff and residents alike and we look forward to continuing to grow a range of plants that can be used in cooking at the Shelter. #community #HKWS #shelterupdate #growing Bunnings Warehouse Australia
Almost 50 years ago the first domestic violence refuge for women and children was founded in Australia, Elsie Refuge in Glebe. This September it was added to the NSW State Heritage Register 👏 This is a significant recognition of the shelter in Glebe being a prominent symbol of the nationwide issue of domestic violence, serving as a model for other refuges which subsequently opened across Australia. Founded by prominent activists of the Women’s Liberation Movement, it stands as a testament to the thousands of lives it has protected and changed, and the bravery, tenacity and vision of the women who founded it - serving as a blueprint for shelters like HKWS to follow. Learn more here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/news/australias-first-womens-refuge-listed-on-the-nsw-state-heritage-register 📷: National Archives of Australia
📲 Nearly every woman seeking help is likely to be experiencing some form of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA). The use of technology to perpetrate violence against women is a rapidly growing and serious problem. This type of abuse is predominantly a form of gender-based violence and coercive control. Examples of technology-facilitated abuse: - Sending abusive texts, emails or messages via social media - Making continuous controlling or threatening phone calls - Making someone prove where they are by sending photos of their location - Checking someone's text messages, social media activity or internet activity - Forbidding someone from having a phone or limiting who they can contact via phone or internet - Spying on, monitoring or stalking someone through any type of surveillance device (such as a tracking system or spyware) - Sharing intimate photos of someone without their consent For more information about TFA, visit the Safe Steps website for more information https://www.safesteps.org.au/understanding-family-violence/types-of-abuse/technology-facilitated-abuse/
🎧 We recommend Lisanne Iriks' podcast episode from 'Conversations to Cut the Conflict' with Annabelle Daniel OAM, Founding CEO of @womenscommunitysheltersau that delves into the critical issues of domestic violence and women’s homelessness. Annabelle shares her extensive experience working with local communities in NSW to establish crisis shelters, transitional housing, and homes for older women experiencing homelessness. They discuss the complexities of domestic violence, the challenges faced by women navigating conflicting advice from various organisations, and the ongoing efforts to create more shelters and preventative programs. Listen here: https://www.lisanneiriks.com/podcast?r_done=1 Listen via the link in our bio. #HKWS #WCC #podcast #hkwsrecommends
💛 R U OK? Day is a reminder that every day is the right day to check in on those around us, especially with the theme for #RUOKDay2024 being "Ask R U OK? Any Day." We would like to say a big thank you to Brady and the team at Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory Sydney for their generosity in delivering cupcakes to the women at HKWS for R U OK Day. 💐 We are so thankful to our thoughtful community and the different ways you support the shelter.
Help is always available❤️ After our successful weekend at the Hornsby Emergency Services Expo, we would like to share our helplines again. If you or anyone you know needs support, please contact the following helplines💜 Please note our office phone and email are monitored during office hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Women's Community Shelters
🚨 We had such a wonderful time at the Hornsby Emergency Services Expo this weekend! Immy and Em met so many people in our community, and had really good discussions about the support we offer to women and children in need. Thank you to Jian for organising such a successful event 🌻 #HKWS #WCS #EmergencyServices #Community
🌻 Today is the International Day of Charity, which falls within 'Include a Charity Week' (2 - 8 September) - a national campaign to raise awareness of the powerful legacy you can leave by including a charity in your Will. We have partnered with Gathered Here to provide a free online Will writing service for all our supporters. It is easy to write your Will using the online platform, and you can update it anytime at no cost. When creating your Will there is absolutely no obligation to include HKWS. We know a Will is very personal and may change over time. Should you choose to use the free service to write your Will, and pledge a gift to HKWS, your generosity will have a lasting impact. Your gift is an investment in the women who seek our care.❤️ If you would like to have a confidential chat about leaving a gift in your Will, or if you would like more information, please contact Joy at ua.gro.swkh@yoj. If you have already named HKWS in your Will, please let us know so we can thank you and give you an update on the impact your gift will have 🥰 Visit this link for more info https://www.gatheredhere.com.au/c/hkws #IncludeACharityWeek #GiftsinWill #GatheredHere #HKWS #InternationalDayOfCharity
🚨Come along and visit HKWS and meet other community and emergency services this weekend at Hornsby Mall! 📆Sunday, 8 September ⏰10:30am - 12:30pm 📍Hornsby Mall, Florence St, Hornsby Enjoy a FREE BBQ, face painting, family/children’s games, prizes and more. Have fun, meet local emergency and community services (like us!), and learn what you can do. See you there! #communityevent #HKWS #hornsby #hornsbywestfield #whatson
🤩 A huge THANK YOU to Ann Leslie and everyone who contributed to the amazing Berwora Fete. Together we raised almost $6000 for our shelter. We are so grateful! 🎉 The Berowra Fete is the initiative of the wonderful Ann Leslie, a long-time supporter of HKWS. We are so grateful to Ann, whose hard work and enthusiasm allowed for a spectacular day full of music, exciting stalls, beautiful facepaint, and delicious food 🌸 Thank you to everyone who donated and supported the Shelter. It’s because of you that we can help women in crisis in our community. Thank you 💜 🙏 #HKWS #WCS #Berowra #Community #ThankYou
🎸 A week ago today the Varmints took over the Orient Hotel for a night to remember! They hadn’t played together in decades and brought the band back together to raise funds for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. The night was buzzing and the Varmints were absolutely incredible. The room was filled with warmth and energy. A huge thank you to Trish, Peter and the team for so generously supporting HKWS. 👏 A whopping $2650 was raised! This amount could provide crisis accommodation for the night for 18 women - hugely impactful. When asked why they chose to support HKWS, Trish stated: “There is such a need in the community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable women and children. We were so glad to have contributed in just a small way to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.” 💐 THANK YOU to each and every one of you who donated on the night. You have made a big impact on the lives of the women and children who seek our care. #Varmints #LiveMusic #HKWS #OrientHotel #communitysupport
🌟 Meet Kate! “I hope I can make a difference by playing a small part in helping share the important work of the shelter, advocating for women and fundraising to assist in the long term sustainability of the shelter and the work it does to support women experiencing domestic abuse” We are so grateful for the amazing work Kate does to support our shelter 💜 #HKWS #WCS #volunteers #meetourteam
🤟Don't miss The Varmints at the @orient_hotel this Thursday night! The band is getting back together for one night only to raise funds for HKWS. 📆 Thursday, 22 August ⏰ 8:30 pm 📍 Orient Hotel, 89 George Street, The Rocks 🎟 $20 (at the door) We are so grateful to Trish and The Varmints for putting on this wonderful concert. Community support like this for HKWS enables us to keep providing crisis accommodation and critical support services to women escaping domestic violence and homelessness. From everyone at HKWS, thank you. 💐. See you there!
