WARATAH support centre has received a substantial grant that will see the upgrade of the organisation's online presence, to continue the support of women and children throughout the South West.
Provided by Lotterywest, the grant of $498,000 will go towards technology upgrades in response to Covid-19 pandemic related lockdowns which has been known to restrict face-to-face support for those in need.
Waratah is a free support service, providing intervention and counselling for people who have experienced sexual assault, sexual abuse and/or family domestic violence.
Waratah chief executive officer Juliana Hussain said the grant would go towards digital upgrades in order to eliminate the feeling of isolation amongst clients during lockdowns.
"By using technology, our doors will remain open so we can still provide all our services digitally when face-to-face support is not possible."
Ms Hussain said the grant would specifically be used to upgrade Waratah's website and social media platforms, as well as implement Zoom video chat software.
"The grant will also aid our data collection and reporting. Because collecting data and having a centralised centre to store that data can back up what we're trying to say is happening in the South West and what services are in demand."
The grant will help us send out community messaging and that notion of how do we eliminate violence in the South West
- Waratah CEO Julianna Hussain
She added that although it was difficult to pinpoint Covid-19 related lockdowns as a cause of a higher demand for Waratah's services, the community having access to Waratah's services was still important.
"The ultimate benefit of this upgrade will be for our community, the funding does not go towards our services and employees, but to the people needing this support,"
"It will also help us send out community messaging and that notion of how do we eliminate violence in the South West," Ms Hussain said.
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The grant was presented by Bunbury MLA Don Punch on Friday, August 27 and said any funding that would help provide localised responses to issues of sexual assault, sexual abuse and/or family domestic violence was most welcomed by the community.
"Our community is working hard to find local solutions to family domestic violence and this funding for Waratah shows that hard work is being recognised and rewarded."
This year marks Waratah support centre's 40th anniversary which will be celebrated toward the end of 2021.
Pip Waller
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
