In 2021, Kay Kelly, President of Workers Lifestyle Group announced that it would contribute $500,000 over five years to fight Domestic & Family Violence. The pandemic brought about one of the highest spikes in domestic & family violence, with the Blacktown LGA being one of the worst regions.
The objective of the announcement was to create a capstone on a whole of organisation approach that involved everyone from the CEO to the front-line staff in creating awareness in the fight against Domestic & Family Violence. This would reignite the efforts made by the organisation previously when they were accredited White Ribbon Ambassadors, the first registered club in Australia to attain the White Ribbon Accreditation.
It has now been two years since Kay Kelly make the commitment for $500,000 over five years, and the community partners that have received funding from Workers Lifestyle Group include:
- Blacktown Women & Girls
- The WASH House
- Harman Foundation
- Top Blokes
- DV West
- Zonta Club
- Blacktown Police
- Youth In-Search
- Indian Crisis and Support
- Learning Links
- BYSA (Blacktown Youth Services Association
Whilst 2021 funding saw a focus on crisis support as the organisations on the front line worked to help those most in need, 2022 saw the focus move into the prevention space, with funds being direct to police and those working with youth to help break the cycle of violence.
Since the announcement of the $500,000 over five-year commitment, 11 local community groups have received funding to help realise their efforts on the front-line in the fight against domestic & family violence. These efforts combined already more than exceed $350,000. The renewed effort has also seen a growing awareness within the staff, members, and the wider Blacktown community.