By Margaret Maccoll
SunnyKids Cooroy Family Support Centre have high hopes the ‘Mingle with the Mayor’ Ball will raise $60,000 or more enabling them to double their capacity.
SunnyKids is the major beneficiary of proceeds from the Ball to be held at the Sofitel Noosa Resort on 31 July.
The domestic and family violence service provides 8000 nights of emergency accommodation as well as counselling and support services to local families each year.
SunnyKids general manager Kathleen Hope said the service could expand its operations from three to five days a week for 12 months with an extra $60,000 in funds.
She said $80,000 would enable them to additionally run an after hours crisis centre.
“This is very exciting for us,” Ms Hope said.
“This region has a great need for DV services. We’ve had an increase of 48 per cent of referrals in the last year in our region alone,” she said.
Mayor Clare Stewart said Council was very aware of the need for this cause.
“Where do you turn if you don’t have that support network of friends and family. This could save a life. It could save a kid’s life.”
TV personality and anti-DV campaigner Kay McGrath, who will be MC at the ball, said the money raised would make a big difference to providing early intervention programs.
“Don’t think it’s not happening in your neighbourhood,” she said. “Statistics are showing 10 women a week are hospitalised and one woman a week is killed in Australia.”
“It can happen anywhere. It can be subtle. It’s not just black eyes and broken jaws. More and more we’re hearing about coercive control.
“Hannah Clarke and Alison Baden Clay were living in fear, being isolated, manipulated, and there were children affected.”
Ms McGrath said it was the children that were often the collateral victims of DV but giving them the support they needed could prevent them becoming damaged adults.
She urged residents to contribute to ridding the community of DV by opening their wallets, volunteering, learning more about the problem and reaching out to neighbours when they suspected they were suffering.
Cr Stewart said tickets to the Ball had sold out in a couple of days but anyone wanting to contribute financially could buy a raffle ticket for one of the wonderful prizes donated by local businesses which include a 1.2 carat diamond and Peugeot Django 150 scooter.
Cr Stewart who is the Ball’s patron praised the organising committee led by local businesswoman Josanne Falls for their efforts.
“I can’t thank the Noosa Circle and Events4GreaterGood women enough. It’s wonderful that they’ve chosen SunnyKids as a recipient of funds. Their efforts to improve the lives of those most in need is inspiring,” she said.
To purchase raffle tickets visit app.galabid.com/mayorsball
