By Abbey Cannan
The development of an emergency accommodation project in the Noosa region is now one step closer, with WomenKind Australia signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Salvation Army (Qld) Property Trust (TSA).
The MOU outlines the collaborative efforts between WomenKind and TSA to provide a safe haven and support for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
TSA is committed to the initiative, seeking construction funding through local sponsorships and a Commonwealth grant under the Safe Places program.
WomenKind Australia founder and director Josanne Falla expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.
“This MOU marks a significant step towards creating a haven for women and children in need,” Josanne said.
“Together with The Salvation Army, we are working to foster a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.”
Matthew Gluyas, Noosaville mission leader for The Salvation Army said, “We are grateful for the community supporters who have already rallied behind this project… Noosa, you are so generous!”
“I am sure there are many others who are eager to be part of the solution too. We look forward to updating you as the project progresses forward in the new year.”
Matthew said helping victims of domestic and family violence was one of their most crucial needs in the Noosa community.
“This is increasing rapidly in demand,” he said.
“We are seeing people enter our site here every day, either fleeing violent homes and relationships for the first time or multiple times. We’re here for the local community, absolutely, but it’s just breaking our heart to see how much this is increasing and it does not discriminate. In Noosa we are seeing this increase quite significantly.
“We are committed in 2024 to building 12 new dwellings, 11 of those which will be for women and children fleeing violent relationships and violent homes, and 12 for residents as a community space, with support given to the families in need.”
He said the project would cost more than $4 million dollars.
“We as The Salvation Army are committed to seeing this through,” Matthew said.
“We’re not going to take no as an answer. WomenKind have been so generous with starting this off with over $80,000 going towards this project.
“We are planning, all things going well, that we will kickstart in March/April 2024 and that we’ll have women and children living in these places by early 2025.”
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the project was a combination of a number of years of hard work.
“This is a collaboration of a community at its finest,” Clare said.
“We are seeing more and more people struggling and unfortunately we are seeing increases in domestic violence. It’s just not acceptable. This is a small way that we can contribute but we have a long way to go. It is certainly a really powerful step in the right direction.”
WomenKind Australia has wrapped up another successful year on a positive note, providing unwavering support to women across various facets of their lives.
