Crucial Funding For Margaret House Refuge

The hardworking and dedicated volunteer committee for Margaret House Refuge was thrilled to learn that their application in the last round of Infrastructure Grants ClubGrants Category 3 program had been successful.

They have been awarded $50,000 in funding to support the important work they do in Young. President of Margaret House Refuge Anna Hayes said they were grateful to receive any funding.

“We know there are so many worthy services out there,” Ms Hayes said.

“The funding will go towards renovating Rose Cottage, one of the original parts of Margaret House Refuge. It was originally one house and the house was divided into two. The other is called Lilly Pilly Cottage.

The Rose side had the original kitchen and bathroom. It was old; functional, but old. This is just one part of a big cog at the moment.”

Ms Hayes said the committee would be taking the opportunity to install solar panels to increase energy efficiency in the units, and to replace the kitchen in Rose Cottage, along with updates to the home to provide quality, comfortable and safe accommodation for residents.

While the grant will cover the majority of the renovation costs, Ms Hayes said community fundraising would help bridge the gap to complete works in a timely manner for residents at Margaret House Refuge.

The announcement comes just days before Paint the Hilltops Purple Day on November 22; a day which seeks to raise awareness and support for those impacted by domestic violence.

Ms Hayes also said it was an important reminder of the work still needing to be done to provide urgent housing solutions for members of the community.

At the moment, there are three units for Margaret House Refuge.

“It is a pre-fabulous home from Wagga which houses single women,” Ms Hayes said.

“These homes have movable walls so that they can be made into one or two-bedroom units. They’re also great for older women, of which there is a growing number presenting as homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.”

“There’s such an urgent need for accommodation. We want to build six new units.

They are DA approved and architecturally designed. We’ve purchased the land in the CBD of Young. These units allow us to house 20 people. We provide accommodation to women and children fleeing from domestic violence.”

Ms Hayes said Margaret House was unique in that it didn’t receive regular funding from the government. Rather, it is managed by a voluntary committee.

“The community that we live in is unbelievable in its support for Margaret House,” Ms Hayes said.

“Young Crisis Accommodation Centre (YCAC) who is our partner - they facilitate all the services, they need as much support from the community as they can get as well.”

As well as the large committee, Margaret House has Friends of Margaret House for fundraisers and events.

“We call on our wider community for help, and they’re there.”

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was glad to celebrate the development of Margaret House Refuge.

“This grant funding is one part of a larger project to help provide a secure and welcoming space for women, men, youth and families who are victims of domestic violence or who find themselves homeless due to crisis,” Ms Cooke said.

“With more than 356 people reaching out to Margaret House and Young Crisis Accommodation Centre over the last year alone, I will continue advocating for further funding to address the growing need for crisis accommodation across our Cootamundra electorate.”

Ms Cooke said she looked forward to working with the volunteer-run committee as they worked towards realising the dream of providing more accommodation for those in crisis, and thanked members of the Hilltops community for taking every opportunity to support the work of Margaret House Refuge.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, the Domestic Violence Line (NSW) can be reached on 1800 656 463.

The national counselling service for sexual assault, domestic and family violence can be reached on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

The number for Lifeline is 13 11 14, with a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line, 13YARN, available on 139 276.

• Topics:

• Grant / Funding
• Community Groups