NSW Ports has helped deliver upgrades and new resources for a community shelter in Sydney’s eastern suburbs that provides critical support and services for domestic and family violence victim-survivors and their children as part of its annual Community Grants Program.
The $18,000 grant for The Deli Women & Children’s Centre has enabled staff to install IT equipment and signage, purchase new furniture and appliances and upgrade treatment rooms.
The office of the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, the member for Kingsford Smith, also provided funds to the centre to support its refurbishment, which were used to upgrade more rooms and purchase computers to help digitise records and automate services for the community.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said The Deli Women and Children’s Centre was one of more than 50 groups to benefit from the NSW Ports Community Grants Program over the last three years, which aims to support projects and programs making a positive difference in local communities.
“NSW Ports is an active member of the communities within which we operate, with Port Botany playing a key role in delivering jobs, trade, sponsorships and support to the people of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and beyond,” she said.
“The Deli Women & Children’s Centre has been providing therapeutic services and resources to women and children affected by domestic and family violence for more than four decades, so we’re pleased our grants program could help support and strengthen its important work.”
Environmental projects, multicultural and First Nations initiatives, social and health services, arts and culture projects and local sport and school programs have all benefited from the NSW Ports Community Grants Program.
The Deli Women & Children’s Centre General Manager Leila Botham said the grant funding has helped enhance and extend the support and resources needed for women and children to rebuild their lives, free from violence.
“These grants have had an enormous impact – making The Deli a modern and calming space, with updated treatment rooms, a new waiting area, reception desk and kitchen equipment. We can store fresh and frozen meals to help combat food insecurity, we can host more attendees to our parenting workshops and run presentations on AV systems,” Ms Botham said.
“Most importantly, being welcomed and supported in a beautiful space reminds women that they are deserving of dignity, peace and safety.”
Ms Calfas was joined by The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP at the Centre today (Friday, 2 February) to meet with Ms Botham and other staff and tour the newly refurbished facilities.
The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP said the Stronger Communities Programme Grant was established to support local organisations making a positive impact in the community.
“Kingsford Smith has a proud history of community service and the Deli Women and Children’s Centre is a testament to that,” he said.
“The organisation plays an invaluable role to women and children affected by domestic and family violence and this funding will ensure it can continue providing important services and support to our community.”
Applications will soon open for the 2024 NSW Ports Community Grants program, to help local groups, not-for-profit organisations and schools build thriving communities around Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Enfield and Cooks River intermodal centres. Further information will be available on the NSW Ports website when the program launches.