Safe Homes in Noosa Everyday (SHINE) houses are the hard work of the Zonta International group.
Zonta International is a leading global organisation of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. They volunteer their time and talents to address women’s issues in our local community and worldwide. They belong to a strong organisation which focuses on sustainable changes. They develop themelves while developing our society. In other words, they empower and become empowered.
In May 2004 the Zonta Club of Noosa hosted a Forum on Domestic and Family Violence in conjunction with the Noosa Council. The Zonta club was instrumental in pulling together several working groups supporting the same issue.
The outcome of the forum was recognition that there was a great need in Noosa for a refuge for women escaping domestic and family violence. As a result, in 2005, the SHINE project was born: Safe Homes in Noosa Everyday.
In just over two weeks three houses were built (a phenominal effort) and so local women have had short-term emergency accommodation available in their time of need.
Until the houses were built, women escaping domestic violence had nowhere to go in Noosa and were forced to relocate to other shires, having to leave jobs and support bases of neighbours and friends. For children it meant a change of school and major disruption in an already confusing and emotional time.
Zonta is holding its annual fund-raising event on the green with an invitation golf day for singles or teams.
Proceeds from the day will be put towards renovating the ‘SHINE Houses Project’ which for the past 10 years has provided shelter for local women and their children affected by domestic violence. These three safe houses are in desperate need of repair and the club needs public support to help raise money to go towards the $27,000 needed so these houses become a welcoming, safe and secure haven for the families taking refuge.
So, dust off the clubs and come and join in for a day of memorable golf and plenty of laughs. It’s not about the golf … it’s about making a difference in someone’s life who needs help.
The “Zonta Noosa Invitation Golf Day” to be held at Noosa Golf Club, at 46 Cooroy Noosa Road, Tewantin, on Sunday 6 August. Registration and payment by Friday 28 July.
