Women and their children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence in Mount Barker and Mount Gambier will have better access to help and information with the opening of two new safety hubs in these regions.
The Marshall Liberal Government committed to opening a series of safety hubs across regional South Australia. These hubs join those already open in Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, Gawler and Berri.
The hubs are a place where women can access information, referrals and support from staff and specially trained volunteers and may provide assistance with housing and legal matters, family intervention, counselling, drug and alcohol services, or offer drop in spaces with phone and computer access.
Hubs can also provide direct referrals to other agencies and services in the local area including police, mental health, financial counselling and medical services.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the safety hubs were one of many measures available to support at-risk women and children.
"It's vital that women and their children living in regional South Australia have the same opportunity to feel safe and supported as those living in inner Adelaide," said Minister Lensink.
"Our safety hubs are not only boosting community understanding about domestic violence and are a safe haven for support, they are empowering women to help each other by training and up-skilling local volunteers.
"Given the varying needs and challenges of different South Australian regions, the hubs are developed in partnership with local frontline service providers to ensure each one is tailor-made for the community it serves.
"Tackling the scourge of domestic, family and sexual violence remains a Marshall Liberal Government priority and our record $21 million investment in new measures shows just how serious we are about keeping South Australians safe and supported."
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said safety hub models in each region have been informed by consultation.
"Listening and responding to the unique needs of each region ensures we are best supporting the safety of women across state," said Mrs Power."
Women who have accessed other safety hubs have told how us how the safety hubs have provided an important place of safety, connection and peace for them.
"Trained volunteers ensure these women are getting access to specialist domestic, family and sexual violence services, and appropriate information and referrals for housing, legal or financial matters, in a safe and understanding environment.
"Our message to those feeling unsafe or threatened – domestic and family violence in any form is unacceptable, and there is support available to you."
The two new hubs can be found at:
Mount Barker – OPEN NOW
9am-4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am-3.30pm Fridays at Mount Barker Community Centre, 3 Dumas St, Mount Barker
Also Tuesday mornings at The Willows Children's Centre, 1 Charles St, Mount Barker
Mount Gambier – OPENING 3 MAY
9am-4pm Monday to Friday at Mount Gambier Library, 6 Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier
The Mount Gambier hub is one of four to share in a total of $300,000, enabling their opening to be fast-tracked in 2021 thanks to Federal Government funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
