Sallianne brings community together to keep women safe

The $10,000 Westfield Local Heroes grant has enabled Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter to expand their reach, build their network and improve their outreach program by assigning additional case workers to those in need. In addition to this HKWS has been able to increase their bed offering for those who need temporary accommodation.

Sallianne has been volunteering with the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter since it was launched nearly four years ago and is now president of its all-volunteer board.

So far, the shelter has provided temporary accommodation to more than 250 women, most of whom have fled domestic abuse. But it aims for sustainable solutions and also connects the women with longer-term outreach services.

The shelter’s success rate is impressive, almost all their women have a case plan within 72 hours and nine out of ten move on to safe long-term accommodation.

“Effecting change in the lives of women when they are at their most vulnerable and empowering them to create a better future is powerful, energizing - and in part makes me get up in the morning,” she says.

Becoming a local hero has raised Sallianne’s profile giving HKWS more credibility. This has opened doors to larger corporate companies willing to contribute and assist with her cause.

Sallianne will embark on her Apron Project Roadshow on 14th Feb – 8th March 2019 aiming to educate and raise awareness of domestic violence in towns across NSW while raising funds for much needed women’s services.

On 8th March, the final day of the roadshow HKWS will be completing their journey at Westfield Parramatta.

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