LATEST NEWS
We're hiring >> Are you a creative and strategic communicator looking to make a difference?rence? Women's Community Shelters (WCS) is seeking a Communications Lead for a 3-month contract to support our team through an exciting period of change and growth. For more details about the role and to apply, visit: https://www.seek.com.au/job/83602085?ref=cm-ui Apply Now. Applications are reviewed as they are received. Interviews will be held in late April/Early May 2025.Read moreRead less
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for a powerful morning exploring how the law continues to silence women — a vital conversation between esteemed human rights barrister Jennifer Robinson and our CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM, expertly hosted by journalist and WCS Ambassador Sarrah Le Marquand. We’re so grateful to everyone who made the event so memorable, including: ✨ Jennifer, Annabelle and Sarrah for your insight, courage and advocacy 🎨 Jade Akamarre and Pwerle Gallery for the stunning donation of Dreaming in my Grandmother’s Country for our silent auction 🤝 Julie White (WCS Chair) and Laura McMillan (WCS Board Member) for your support and leadership 💛 The Macquarie Group Foundation (@MacquarieGroup) for your generous support in making this event possible 📸 And Kirsten Delaney Photography for capturing the morning so beautifully We hope this event sparks more conversations around the ways the legal system is silencing voices and the devasting effects on victim survivors.Read moreRead less
"Another devastating death. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Claire Austin, who died as a result of injuries sustained from attempting to escape from violence." WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: If you are in an emergency, please call 000 1800 RESPECT (available 24/7): 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au Free and confidential national counselling service for sexual assault and DFV Link2Home (9am-10pm daily): 1800 152 152 Information and referral helpline for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless Lifeline (available 24/7): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 Call, chat or text availableRead moreRead less
🎥 Watch: Our CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM, shares her thanks to Jennifer Robinson and WCS Ambassador Sarrah Le Marquand for supporting Women’s Community Shelters at our fundraising event this morning. What a powerful conversation. If you’d like to support our work too, you can donate here: https://womens-community-shelters-event-donations.raiselysite.com/Read moreRead less
Thank you so much to wonderful artist Jade Akamarre for donating her incredible artwork during our special event with Jennifer Robinson (@Jennifer Robinson) for a silent auction this morning. If you would like to participate in our silent auction too, you can place your bid here: https://womenscommunityshelters.supporterhub.net.au/auction/jenniferrobinsonauction Auction ends Wednesday midnight. Jade is a proud Alyawarre woman was born in 1993 in Adelaide and is the daughter of the internationally renowned and respected art dealer, Fred Torres. She is an established fourth generation Aboriginal artist following the footsteps of her Grandmother the late Barbara Weir and Great Grandmother the late Minnie Pwerle.Read moreRead less
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM features in The Border Mail article, ‘How will we recover?’: survivors of abuse call for government dental support. Annabelle shares her thoughts on why dental support is a vital – and often overlooked – part of recovery for women escaping domestic and family violence. 📖 Read more in the article (also published in St George & Sutherland Shire Leader): https://bit.ly/article_dental_supportRead moreRead less
Help Support Her when she needs it the most. Your gift today will help save the lives of women and children experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence. Please donate today: https://www.womenscommunityshelters.org.au/donate/Read moreRead less
Thank you to Parramatta Times for shining a light on an issue we’re faced with every day at Women’s Community Shelters — overwhelming demand. Parramatta Women's Shelter Manager Tania Smith says: “Shelters are becoming bottlenecks for families with no place to go. We’ve seen a huge increase on demand at our shelter. There are women and families looking for help and we physically don’t have any room for them. On average, we would turn away at least one family a day.” 🔗 Read the full article featuring insights from Tania and WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM:Read moreRead less
Sold out - LAST CHANCE TO BUY YOUR TICKET. Don’t miss this one-off event with esteemed human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson (successfully defended Julian Assange and Amber Heard) who is joined by Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM. Hosted by media personality Sarrah Le Marquand discussion will be had about how the law silences women. Join us for breakfast, to raise critical funds to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Tickets close Thursday midday: https://shorturl.at/quHbSRead moreRead less
Jennifer Robinson, lawyer for Julian Assange and Amber Heard will be joined by Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM to discuss how the law is silencing women. Hosted by media personality Sarrah Le Marquand this will be a conversation you won’t want to miss. Join us for breakfast, to raise critical funds to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Tickets available: https://shorturl.at/quHbS (photos from Instagram @suigenerisjen)Read moreRead less
Did you know? The experience of homelessness has become increasingly widespread among women aged 55+, growing by almost 40% between 2011 and 2021 due to several factors. WCS has dedicated transitional housing designed exclusively for women over 55 at our Beecroft House, Mosman House, and Allawah House properties. We also focus on finding and providing more innovative housing solutions such as ‘meanwhile use.’ In short, utilising a vacant property that may be earmarked for future redevelopment while it’s empty. Older women are the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in Australia (by percentage), it is crucial to act now and we’re committed to finding real solutions.Read moreRead less
We were delighted to welcome Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson to Allawah House, a ‘meanwhile use’ housing initiative created in partnership with Pacific Link Housing and Homes NSW. Allawah House, once a vacant aged care facility, has been transformed into safe, transitional accommodation for older women escaping domestic and family violence and homelessness—providing them with the security they need before moving into long-term housing. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM says: “Our model of repurposing vacant properties that would otherwise be under-used, and turning them into safe and supported ‘meanwhile use housing’, produces outstanding outcomes for our residents. Here, women can access not only immediate safety but also all the critical assistance, help and collaboration they may need to build a positive future.” These projects brings together the best of partnerships between the NSW Government, community housing providers, services like ours and the local community. We thank the NSW Government for embracing our ‘meanwhile use’ housing model as a pragmatic and immediate response to NSW’s housing crisis, and we look forward to opening more of these life-changing homes for older women. Read the Ministerial Media Release here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/more-support-for-central-coast-women-facing-homelessness #meanwhileuse #HousingForWomen #EndingHomelessness #PartnershipsThatWorkRead moreRead less
MAFS contestant Jacqui Burfoot was issued with an apprehended violence order (AVO) taken out by her on-screen husband, Ryan Donnell- just days after she was granted a restraining order against him. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to these latest developments highlighting how important it is to understand the patterns of coercive control.Read moreRead less
All women and children, regardless of their immigration status, should have access to safety, support, and pathways to independence when leaving domestic and family violence. Women on temporary visas face unique challenges – limited rights, little to no income and significant barriers to support – making immigration status a critical factor impacting the safety and survival of women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. Read the powerful new report from Domestic Violence NSW highlights the urgent challenges faced by women on temporary visas escaping domestic and family violence. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/678ccdd65b30c4649ea6f652/67e9b92ca8d547d7aa9a3b4f_DVNSW_BreakingBarriers(Spreads)FINAL.pdfRead moreRead less
WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM reacts to the ABC article ‘Labor and the Coalition both dodging two things that matter most this election’, as Women’s Community Shelters hopes for further announcements on housing. 'Women’s Community Shelters recognises the significance of affordable housing as a central issue of importance for the upcoming Federal Election, amidst a critical shortage of properties Australia wide. We are hopeful that further announcements by major parties will include a nation-building, visionary commitment to housing that will set Australia up for decades to come – which can only have benefits for our security, prosperity and productivity as a nation.'Read moreRead less
This is a fundraising event you won’t want to miss! Hear from Jennifer Robinson, esteemed human rights lawyer and barrister, advocate for ending violence against women, and co-author of How Many More Women? How the law silences women. Hosted by Sarrah Le Marquand, Jennifer will be joined by Annabelle Daniel OAM, trailblazing CEO of Women’s Community Shelters and leading Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) advocate, for a discussion to explore how the law is silencing and adversely affecting women experiencing family and domestic violence, and what needs to change. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about these pressing issues and be inspired by three extraordinary women whilst enjoying a light breakfast. Book your ticket here: https://bit.ly/Event_JenniferRobinsonRead moreRead less
Jennifer Robinson recently appeared on The Project, and we’re thrilled to have her join us for our upcoming event, 'How the Law Silences Women' alongside Sarrah Le Marquand and Annabelle Daniel OAM, trailblazing CEO of Women’s Community Shelters. 📅 Tuesday 15 April from 7.30am to 9am 📍 ILUMINA 1 Elizabeth Street Sydney CBD Don’t miss this incredible conversation—secure your tickets now! https://bit.ly/Event_JenniferRobinsonRead moreRead less
Our fabulous Walk the Talk team are kicking off a busy week at St Paul's Grammar School today and couldn't be more delighted to be joined by Sharon Levy, the champion Chair of The Haven - Nepean Women's Shelter. The St. Paul's community are incredible supporters of The Haven. A special thanks to the superstar teachers who work with the passionate students every year to make a difference to the women and children in their area. 🧡🧡Read moreRead less
Public holidays put additional strain on already in-demand domestic and family violence shelters. Read why from Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM in the Geelong Advertiser. 🔗 https://bit.ly/WCSCEO_Geelong_Advertiser_March2025Read moreRead less
🚨 🎬 Watch WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM on Netflix Annabelle features in the documentary UNDER COVER, narrated by Margot Robbie, which highlights the 'devastating reality that women over 50 are the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness in the country' They are increasingly referred to as the hidden homeless. These women live in their cars, stay on friend’s couches or sofa beds, or live in short-term accommodation. Women's Community Shelters (WCS) is dedicated to addressing this issue by providing transitional housing dedicated exclusively for women over 55. @undercoverdocumentary Watch here: https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81688469 More information about Under Cover here: https://www.undercoverdocumentary.comRead moreRead less
🚨 🎬 Watch WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM on Netflix Annabelle features in the documentary UNDER COVER, narrated by Margot Robbie which highlights the 'devastating reality that women over 50 are the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness in the country' They are increasingly referred to as the hidden homeless. These women live in their cars, stay on friend’s couches or sofa beds, or live in short-term accommodation. Women's Community Shelters (WCS) is dedicated to addressing this issue by providing dedicated transitional housing designed exclusively for women over 55. Under Cover Documentary Watch here: https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81688469 More information about Under Cover here: https://www.undercoverdocumentary.comRead moreRead less
Today, 21st March, we recognise #HarmonyDay - a day to celebrate and champion the diverse communities that we walk alongside every day in our work. On this day, we also acknowledge the disproportionate impacts of domestic and family violence on minority groups, and the need for an intersectional approach to tackling these issues. At WCS we take immense pride in living and operating within a multicultural and inclusive community, where we continue to build an Australia where all people are safe, secure, supported and equal 🧡Read moreRead less
TICKETS SELLING FAST. Don’t miss this one-off event with esteemed human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson (successfully defended Julian Assange and Amber Heard) who is joined by Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM. Hosted by media personality Sarrah Le Marquand discussion will be had about how the law silences women. Buy your ticket today. Limited tickets: https://shorturl.at/quHbS @followersRead moreRead less
Here is our take on MAFS: 'MAFS has a huge platform and enormous reach with Australians to influence what we accept as ‘normal’ and acceptable behaviour in relationships. The show could benefit specifically not just from psychologist expertise, but specialist domestic violence expertise in analysing patterns of behaviour and assessing safety of participants.' Women's Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel OAM #MAFS #DVprevention #DVawarenessRead moreRead less
The inquest into Lilie James' murder has begun, revealing that her killer stalked her, meticulously planned the attack, and carried out multiple practice runs. Women's Community Shelters CEO, Annabelle Daniel, highlights how coercive controllers operate, noting that in 97% of intimate partner homicides, coercive control precedes the violence. 'All our love and thoughts go to Lilie’s incredible family, and we wish them nothing but strength for the next few days.’ #EndDVRead moreRead less
🔍 Can we stop violence against women and children? Award-winning journalist Jess Hill takes a hard look at Australia's National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children in her powerful Quarterly Essay, 'Losing It – Can we stop violence against women and children?' With deep compassion and sharp analysis, jess Hill unpacks what's working, what's failing, and what needs to change. This essay is a must-read for anyone committed to real solutions. 📖 Read her interview in ABC News : https://amp-abc-net-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/105031374 💬 "Each time a woman or child was murdered, I felt a gnawing sense of urgency. If it's everybody's responsibility to prevent violence, where does the buck stop?" – Jess Hill, Losing ItRead moreRead less
Today is World Social Work Day and we want to take a moment to appreciate the incredible work our case workers do every day 🧡 Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a real difference in the lives of women, children and young people. The impact you have is truly invaluable—thank you for all that you do.Read moreRead less
An anti-domestic abuse advocate failed to recognise the coercive control happening in her own relationship. This powerful piece in The Guardian highlights just how insidious and subtle the tactics of perpetrators can be. 🔗 Read the full story: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/13/i-am-an-anti-domestic-abuse-advocate-but-i-failed-to-recognise-it-happening-to-me-and-my-family To learn more about coercive control, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #coercivecontrolRead moreRead less
Significant instances of domestic and family violence occur every day in communities across Australia. Here are three powerful statistics that highlight the reality of domestic and family violence nationwide. Beyond International Women’s Day — and every single day — Women’s Community Shelters will continue to raise awareness and provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with a safe place to rebuild their lives. 🧡 Together, we can make a difference. If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000Read moreRead less
It's been a busy week for our Walk the Talk team who have delivered workshops at Marian Catholic College Kenthurst and Blaxland High School Watch out for allies incoming The Sanctuary - The Hills Women's Shelter and The Haven - Nepean Women's Shelter. The young change makers we worked with are full of enthusiasm to support you this year and we can't wait to see what they do 🧡 #walkthetalkschoolsRead moreRead less
Join us for this unmissable event: https://womenscommunityshelters-how-the-law-silences-women.raiselysite.com/?utm_source=socials&utm_medium=posts_banners&utm_campaign=JenRobinsonRobinsonRead moreRead less
✨ This is an event you won’t want to miss! ✨ Hear from Jennifer Robinson, esteemed human rights lawyer and barrister, advocate for ending violence against women, and co-author of 'How Many More Women? How the law silences women.' 🎤 Hosted by Sarrah Le Marquand, Jennifer will be joined by Annabelle Daniel OAM, trailblazing CEO of Women’s Community Shelters and leading Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) advocate, for a discussion to explore how the law is silencing and adversely affecting women experiencing family and domestic violence, and what needs to change. 💡 Don’t miss this chance to learn more about these pressing issues and be inspired by three extraordinary women whilst enjoying a light breakfast. 📢 Book your ticket here - https://womenscommunityshelters-how-the-law-silences-women.raiselysite.com/Read moreRead less
Annabelle Reacts: Criminalising Coercive Control The passing of the law last year made Queensland only the second state (after NSW) to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence. WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM, who also acts as the Independent Member on the New South Wales Coercive Control Implementation and Evaluation Taskforce, along with Chairing the DFV Sector and Lived Expertise Reference Groups, shares the NSW process and how other states could learn from this approach following an article published in The Australian Women’s Weekly. If you are in need of support, please reach out. Family and domestic violence support: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14 Relationships Australia:1300 364 277 NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 If you are in an emergency, please call 000 #coercivecontrol #DVawareness #DVpreventionRead moreRead less
🌟 Change Maker spotlight! 🌟 This International Women’s Day, Pro Bono Australia featured our incredible CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM as their Change Maker of the week! 🧡 “I’m an optimist by nature, and I firmly believe that domestic and family violence are solvable problems. I’ve had the extraordinary privilege over the last 12 years of working with amazing people across NSW and beyond who share that vision, and who are putting the work in to bring that vision to life.” – Annabelle Daniel OAM Want to know more about Annabelle’s journey, what drives her, and how she’s making an impact every day? Check out the full article here: https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2025/03/keeping-women-safe-and-sheltered/Read moreRead less
🚨 Final call: Let’s make this International Women’s Day count. 🚨 International Women’s Day calls on us to 'March Forward' for gender equality — but for many Australian women and children facing homelessness and abuse, moving forward feels impossible. We have the opportunity to change that. Women’s Community Shelters is working to open a brand new crisis shelter in the Liverpool LGA by June 2025. This shelter will provide a safe haven for 70 women and children every year — but we can’t do it without you. We’re halfway to our fundraising goal. If you want to take tangible action today, please donate: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd Every dollar you give will be matched by a generous Foundation from South-West Sydney, doubling your impact and helping us reach our goal faster. Together, we can keep women safe every day — not just on International Women’s Day. 💜🧡Read moreRead less
We’re thrilled to see Cathie Knox, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter Chair, named Wahroonga Local Woman of the Year — a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and dedication. And an extra round of applause for Jess Teoh, HKWS committee member, advocate, and friend, who’s been awarded NSW Young Woman of the Year! 🌟 Two incredible women making a powerful impact — we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their achievements. 🧡👏Read moreRead less
Our fabulous Walk the Talk team were delighted to spend this International Women’s Day Eve with the allies at Kingswood High School Official. The Kingswood HS community have walked alongside @The Haven - Nepean Women's Shelter since 2019 supporting their essential work with women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Penrith area. We were overwhelmed with students signing up to lead this year's activities and we can't wait to see what these change makers achieve. It warms our hearts to see young people step up to make a tangible difference to women and their children this IWD 🧡Read moreRead less
We know you share our outrage at the number of women killed by domestic violence this past year. Let’s take action together this International Women’s Day. We have the opportuntiy to open a brand new crisis shelter in the Liverpool LGA for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. Despite the urgent need, there is no shelter operating in this area. Can you help us raise $100,000 to open the doors to a new crisis shelter by June 2025? Each of your donation will be matched by a generous Foundation from South-West Sydney, who knows how desperately the area needs this new shelter. This new shelter will provide a safe haven for 70 women and children each year, every year. Every dollar helps. Your donation will be a lifeline for women and children escaping abusive and dangerous environments. In this new shelter, they will have the security and support they need to escape violence and rebuild their lives. "You won’t be just changing lives – you will be saving lives.” WCS CEO, Annabelle Daniel Please donate here: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwdRead moreRead less
Congratulations Jessica Teoh, NSW Young Woman of the Year 2025!!!! Jess has volunteered with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter (HKWS) for over 3 years. Jess is a very successful HKWS grant writer, contributing significant funds for HKWS' work, she also volunteers at many HKWS events. Jess is a 2023 Churchill Fellow, her project outlines what other countries are doing and recommendations to ensure that women presenting in early pregnancy are included in screening/routine enquiry for Domestic Violence. Thank you for all you do 🧡Read moreRead less
Double your impact and help us open a new crisis shelter by June. Every contribution — big or small — brings us closer to opening a brand new shelter in the Liverpool LGA. Let's keep more women and children safe every day, not just on International Women’s Day. And right now, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous foundation from South-West Sydney, who knows how urgently this community needs a new shelter. 🤝 Walk alongside us and take action today. If you can, please donate: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwd Please share 🧡 #IWDfundraising #DVprevention #DVawareness #womenshelterRead moreRead less
No matter the size, your contribution brings us closer to opening a brand new shelter in the Liverpool LGA, providing safety and support for more women and children. And right now, your donation will be matched — doubling your impact 🧡🧡 The time for action is now. Help us open this new crisis shelter by June 2025. If you can, please donate: https://tinyurl.com/WCSiwdRead moreRead less
It’s great to see our CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM quoted in the NSW Government’s media statement on the impactful ‘It’s not love, it’s coercive control’ campaign. This campaign has played an important role in helping people recognise the signs of coercive control — and most importantly, empowering them to take action. Raising awareness is the first step toward change. Let’s keep the conversation going. #DVawareness #DVprevention #CoerciveControlRead moreRead less
