Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has welcomed an announcement of $50,000 in funding to support the important work of Margaret House Refuge in Young.
The funding, which was part of the latest Infrastructure Grants ClubGrants Category 3 program, will help cover the costs of essential renovations at the Refuge’s Rose Cottage.
“I am so glad to celebrate an important step in the development of Margaret House Refuge. This grant funding is one part of a larger project to help provide a secure and welcoming space for women, men, youth, and families who are victims of domestic violence or who find themselves homeless due to crisis,” Ms Cooke said.
“There is a lot of work still to be done, and this grant, combined with support from the Hilltops community through fundraising efforts, will provide for solar panels to be installed, along with renovations to update Rose Cottage for residents.
With more than 356 people reaching out to Margaret House and Young Crisis Accommodation Centre over the last year alone, I will continue advocating for further funding to address the growing need for crisis accommodation across our Cootamundra electorate.”
President of Margaret House Refuge, Anna Hayes, said the committee would be taking the opportunity to install solar panels to increase energy efficiency in the units, and to replace the kitchen in Rose Cottage, along with updates to the home to provide quality, comfortable and safe accommodation for residents. While the grant covers the majority of the renovation costs, Ms Hayes said community fundraising will help bridge the gap to complete works in a timely manner for residents at Margaret House Refuge.
“The Committee at Margaret House Refuge are so pleased to be receiving $50,000 from the State Clubs Grants initiative to be able to help support women and children fleeing from domestic violence or who find themselves homeless due to crisis,” Ms Hayes said.
The announcement comes just days before Paint the Hilltops Purple Day, on November 22, which seeks to raise awareness and support for those impacted by domestic violence. Ms Hayes said it was an important reminder of the work still needing to be done to provide urgent housing solutions for members of the Cootamundra community.
“Although we are so happy to be receiving this grant to improve and maintain the current facilities that MHR offer, it does not solve the massive issue that is facing our region with more crisis and temporary accommodation options desperately needed,” Ms Hayes said.
“Margaret House Refuge are always striving to fulfill this need and are currently searching for funding to build 6 architecturally designed DA approved interactive units on a block of land purchased by MHR through fundraising and incredible community support.”
Ms Cooke said she looks forward to working with the volunteer-run committee as they work towards realising the dream of providing more accommodation for those in crisis, and thanked members of the Hilltops community for taking every opportunity to support the work of Margaret House Refuge.
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.
Image Caption: (L-R) Kerri Palmer, Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson, Anna Hayes of Margaret House Refuge, Alex Dalglish of Young Crisis Accommodation Centre, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, and Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke.