Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

Strengthening domestic and family violence support services on the Gold Coast

Joint Media Release with:

  • SENATOR THE HON ANNE RUSTON 
    Minister for Families and Social Services 
    Minister for Women’s safety 
    Senator for South Australia 

     

    SENATOR THE HON AMANDA STOKER 
    Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General 
    Assistant Minister for Industrial Relations 
    Assistant Minister for Women 
    LNP Senator for Queensland 

     

    THE HON STUART ROBERT MP 
    Federal Member for Fadden
     

The Morrison Government is strengthening the availability of domestic and family violence support services on the Gold Coast, with additional support for StandbyU Foundation to continue delivering services that support individuals, couples, children and families who are experiencing or at risk of family or domestic violence. 

Minister for Social Services and Women’s Safety Minister, Senator Anne Ruston, and Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General, Assistant Minister for Industrial Relations and Assistant Minister for Women, Queensland LNP Senator Amanda Stoker announced a commitment to provide $262,000 (GST excl) for StandbyU Foundation to employ specialist staff to assess walk-in clients seeking assistance, and provide service referrals and ongoing support. 

The Connected Communities: Magnolia Place initiative is located at Westfield Helensvale. Since opening in October 2020, it has provided assistance to over 1000 people. 

Magnolia Place enables women, children and families to access domestic violence support services in a safe and non-stigmatising place, to reach out to friends and family, and obtain secure ways to stay connected and feel safe. 

“We know that domestic and family violence is enabled by the disconnection of a victim from support networks of friends and family. StandbyU’s work is revolutionary because it provides accessible pathways to reconnect with the support communities that keep people safe,” Senator Stoker said. 

“Through its important work, StandbyU is changing the lives of those who seek help at Magnolia Place.” 

This funding will be provided through Specialised Family Violence Services (SFVS) and forms part of the Government’s annual commitment of more than $290 million to a range of services delivering crucial early intervention support to families and children in need across Australia. 

Member for Fadden, Stuart Robert MP welcomed the additional funding for the local community. 

“Being located in a shopping centre will help ensure services are accessible and visibile,” Stuart Robert said. 

“The Morrison Government is proud to back StandbyU’s evidence-based approach with this additional funding.” 

StandbyU Foundation’s founder, Chris Boyle, welcomed the commitment to provide funding over a period of two financial years for 12 months of service delivery. 

“The community recognised the need for the services Magnolia Place offers and have rallied to bring it to life”, Chris Boyle said. 

“Our all-inclusive model of support values the unique story of every person who walks in. We work hard to make every tomorrow better than today by focusing on life changing connections.” 

The Coalition is committed to ending domestic, family and sexual violence for all Australians, that’s why we’ve provided a record $2 billion into women’s safety since 2013.