Clubs Tackling Domestic & Family Violence: Part Two

Here we feature more stories of staff from clubs — finalists in this year’s Clubs & Community Awards — who offer support that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club (Heart of the Community category) is proudly stepping up with a generous $100,000 pledge over four years to the Great Lakes Women’s Shelter (GLWS). The goal is to keep GLWS thriving because it is so critical to women and children facing homelessness through DFV to give them access to safe shelter and services plus a road map for a stable life.

Beyond the financial pledge, the Club motivates the Forster-Tuncurry community with key fundraising events including high-profile sports lunches to bring people together and raise even more support for this important cause.

“The club is not only generating much-need funds but also raising awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable women and children,” said Debbie Vermeulen, Marketing & Entertainment Manager for the St Johns Park Bowling Club Group.

For nearly 10 years, Mary’s House Services, a non-profit offering crisis accommodation, has been proudly supported by Norths Collective in Sydney (Social Inclusion category).

The partnership has grown through Norths Cammeray’s ClubGRANTS donations and community engagement efforts, contributing nearly $70,000 in funding to vital programs and services.

The work began in 2016 with a $7250 donation for a 10-week positive parenting course for young mums affected by DFV. Now, the support goes far beyond dollars. Norths Collective team members volunteer their time and actively participate in fundraising events.

Through the innovative OneCollective initiative, last year members turned their loyalty points into over $1000 of extra donations.

And the message is reaching even further. The North Sydney Bears, also part of Norths Collective, have teamed up with Mary’s House Services to spread awareness across the sporting world. 

“By investing in Mary’s House Services, the Club directly contributes to saving lives, providing safety and fostering resilience among vulnerable women and children in the community,” said Norths’ Marketing and Communications Manager Hannah Morrissey.

Staff at Murray Downs Golf & Country Club (Heart of the Community category) began their mission against DFV by pooling $1000 from tips which was then matched by the board and other donations.

The Club raised a total of $2500 to support Safe Shelter From Domestic Violence — a local initiative in Swan Hill which pairs women escaping DFV with temporary accommodation.

While motels offer temporary relief, they lack long-term security and stability especially for families with children. 

“We don’t want women and kids uprooted from their lives,” said Safe Shelter Chair Arthur Graham.

“With proper housing, they can stay in their community and feel safe,” said Arthur.

“We’ve got to keep calling it out if we want to stop it and I hope the houses we end up building become empty after a while.”

Murray Downs Executive Assistant Amalie Taylor said that it is great to know that the money can make a real difference in the local community. 

“We’re hoping to do it again next May and maybe raise even more,” she said. 

This is part two of a two-part series of articles highlighting finalists in the 2025 Clubs & Community Awards and the work they do in combatting domestic and family violence (DFV). If you missed part one, click here.