Domestic violence support service bolstered by Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

Local domestic violence and homelessness support service, Jenny’s Place has received a welcome $18,000 windfall as the 2022 Annual Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast beneficiary. 

The funds raised at this year’s breakfast, hosted by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, will support the Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre (DVRC), which operates from the Joy Cummings Centre and provides early intervention and prevention services to women and children experiencing domestic violence. 

Established in 2008, the DVRC fills a gap in government services to deliver long-term, specialised casework and provide targeted response training for individuals, community groups and businesses. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Jenny’s Place was a worthy choice to benefit from the generosity of church and civic leaders at the annual early-morning fundraiser at NEX Newcastle. 

“The Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre is not government-funded and relies solely on community donations and sponsorship to keep its doors open, so I’m pleased to be able to help support such an important cause,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“This is particularly significant when you consider the DVRC is a referral pathway for the Staying Home Leaving Violence program and many other agencies, including the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, Centrelink, Housing NSW and other housing providers, educational institutions, health professionals and hospitals, counsellors and more.” 

Jenny’s Place Executive Manager, Marcia Chapman said the funding was gratefully received and would help break the cycle of domestic violence to create a safer city for everyone. 

“In 2020-21, the Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre provided direct relief to more than 220 women experiencing domestic violence. Our caseworkers support women to maintain employment, develop safety and exit plans where necessary, and to access domestic violence services, while encouraging choice, change and growth,” Ms Chapman said. 

“We’re thrilled to be the beneficiary of the 2022 Annual Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and look forward to continuing to work with community leaders to stamp out this insidious issue in our society.” 

Jenny’s Place has been supporting women and children experiencing family and domestic violence since its first refuge opened in 1977. Each year the organisation assists more than 1,200 women to find safety and rebuild their lives free from violence.