New frontline workers bolster support for North Coast women and children

THREE new frontline workers have been recruited to the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre, providing vital support for women and children experiencing family, domestic, and sexual violence across the North Coast.

The appointments are part of the federal government’s national initiative to employ 500 additional frontline support workers across Australia, with $48.8 million allocated to New South Wales for 148.4 full-time equivalent positions statewide.

The initiative aims to increase capacity and provide ongoing support for victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence.

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, visited the centre this week to meet the newly recruited workers.

“I’m proud to help deliver three new workers for the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre, who will do critical work across the North Coast,” Elliot said.

Elliot highlighted the importance of trauma-informed, specialised care in regional areas, noting the critical role these workers play in providing immediate and long-term support to women and children in need.

“The 500 workers initiative builds capacity of the sector on a national scale, increasing access to ongoing support for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence across the country, including in our regions”, she said.

The Albanese Government’s commitment to ending violence against women in one generation includes a record $3.4 billion investment under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.

In September, the government pledged an additional $4.4 billion towards preventing gender-based violence and supporting legal services.

For those experiencing family, domestic, or sexual violence, help is available by calling 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visiting 1800RESPECT.org.au.

If concerned about personal behaviour, the Men’s Referral Service can be reached at 1300 766 491 or at www.ntv.org.au.

For more information on the National Partnership on Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27, visit the Federal Financial Relations website.