Today I congratulate Dr Gabrielle Morrissey, Michelle Povah and the entire team at Women and Children First. It is an amazing women's refuge on the northern beaches that services all of Sydney.
I commend the team for their powerful advocacy ahead of this week's announcement that the Staying Home Leaving Violence program will be rolled out across the State. It is truly game changing. This Friday, Women and Children First will host a Mother's Day fundraising lunch. I have the privilege of attending and supporting the event. I wish them the best of luck. Funds raised will help support many families across the Wakehurst area, the northern beaches and North Sydney. Currently, the service only receives approximately 5 per cent of its revenue through government funding. I acknowledge that is more than other areas in the State—some do not even have a shelter.
The Women and Children First shelter services close to 1,000 women and children every year. Sadly, on average they turn around 10 women with children every week. That is why I am so vocal in my calls for funding to deliver the proposed upgrade of the shelter, which will double its capacity. I continue to ask the community to support the Women and Children First shelter. I thank Gabrielle and her team. Their impactful work has resulted in deeply meaningful change.
7 May 2024, 19:19