Saving women in crisis

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter
Passionate. Courageous. Resilient

Courageous shelter manager Hylette Evans has devoted her career to saving women in crisis, giving them support to get back on their feet after experiencing domestic violence or homelessness.

Hylette is a qualified nurse and counsellor. She has developed a strong network of volunteers at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter, which helps more than 100 women a year.

Hylette works with compassion to restore trust and confidence and goes above and beyond to help families with food, accommodation and basic essentials.

“Often women come to the shelter not believing in their own abilities. To see them get to a place where they can live independently, gain employment, further their education and look forward to their future is inspiring and rewarding,” says Hylette.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Hylette resisted challenging pressure to close the shelter. Instead, she kept going so local women always had a place to go.

Available day or night, Hylette’s work has become a foundation in the community.

Hylette is humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I am proud to be the manager of a service that is there to help women when they really need it. To have the work we do validated with this nomination is very much appreciated.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter will develop a new self-esteem program. The program will focus on rebuilding the self-worth and confidence of women escaping crisis.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here