The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre has been awarded $200,000 by the Bendigo Bank Oak Flats and Gerringong to support women experiencing or at risk of homelessness, particularly due to domestic and family violence.
The donation will support women through immediate financial assistance in time of need, providing dedicated casework outreach support and access to early intervention and preventative domestic and family violence workshops.
The Centre, in conjunction with the Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services, was awarded another $50,000 to establish a collaborative project for the region.
Presented as part of the Bendigo Bank Oak Flats and Gerringong’s 25th birthday celebrations, the funding continues the bank’s long-term support of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre along with other local charities throughout the region.
Illawarra Women’s Health Centre General Manager Jess Davidson welcomed the funding announcement, saying funds would be used to reduce the stress women suffer when facing homelessness due to domestic and family violence.
“The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is dedicated to delivering holistic healthcare and wellbeing programs and services that support local women in need,” she said.
“We are a community-based Centre supporting women through complex journeys and are proud of the programs we deliver – programs that are possible due to the generous support of organisations like Bendigo Bank.
“Having the opportunity to also work collaboratively with the Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services to further deliver targeted programs addressing the needs of local women while seeking to empower them is amazing.”
Bendigo Bank Oak Flats and Gerringong Director Jenny Butler said, “We are proud to support such a worthy organisation providing much needed support to women and families in need.
“With today’s high cost of living and families needing support we, as a Bendigo Community Bank, are happy to provide support as part of our 25th birthday celebrations.”
The funding announcement is a major boost for the Centre, which continues to thrive under the leadership of Ms Davidson, who brings a wealth of experience in community service and women-focused advocacy to the role of General Manager.
Holding a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Western Sydney, Ms Davidson previously worked with St Vincent de Paul Society NSW as Regional Manager for Disability and Inclusion. She also worked for BaptistCare NSW & ACT, leading the expansion and strategic development of Women’s Services across Sydney, while supporting women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and complex marginalisation.
Passionate about transforming policies and programs to drive sustainable change for marginalised communities while advocating for gender equality and social justice, Ms Davidson is excited to continue the legacy of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre in delivering feminist, holistic healthcare and wellbeing services for women.
Illawarra Women’s Health Centre Executive Director Sally Stevenson said Ms Davidson was a natural fit for the Centre, offering both strategic capabilities and a strong understanding of the needs of the community.
“Jess’ previous roles and her passion for helping others while seeking to deliver better outcomes and pathways for health makes her an ideal leader for this complex role,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing what our team can achieve in the coming months.”