Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 11/04/2025
In a further step towards enhancing the safety and wellbeing of women and gender diverse people in the ACT, the ACT Government has awarded $100,000 in grants to nine dedicated community groups.
In announcing the grants, the Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson, said that it underscores the government’s commitment to promoting health, safety, and empowerment within our community.
“These initiatives address critical issues such as domestic violence, financial abuse, and the unique challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Minister Paterson said.
“The ACT Government is committed to enhancing the lives of women and gender diverse people in the ACT. We’re proud to support community organisations that are working to empower women and create a safer community for everyone,” said Minister Paterson.
Among the recipients, SiTara’s Story Incorporated received $10,500 for its EmpowerHER: Breaking Silence, Building Strength program to raise awareness of domestic violence and provide educational resources about financial abuse and coercive control to women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre Inc was awarded $7,500 to facilitate the translation of court orders, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds can fully understand legal proceedings.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service Inc received $2,000 for the National Day of Remembrance ACT Candle Lighting Ceremony, which honours the lives lost to domestic, intimate partner, and family violence. WaterWombats Aquatic Disability Services Ltd was granted $15,000 for its ACT Women’s Disability Safe and Connected Project, offering coaching, mentoring, psychoeducation, and aqua-yoga to women living with or supporting those with disabilities.
Sakhi Incorporated was awarded $11,380 to develop a culturally informed handbook promoting women’s safety within the South Asian community. Families ACT (FACT) Inc received $15,000 to establish a First 1000 Days Coalition, focusing on the health and wellbeing of mothers, birth parents, and children during the critical first 1000 days.
The Forcibly Displaced People Network Ltd was granted $19,900 for a 12-month project aimed at enhancing safety and support for LGBTIQA+ refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in the ACT. Woden Community Service Limited received $10,000 for its EmpowerHER: Art, Resilience and Community project, which will facilitate art workshops for women affected by domestic violence, helping them form community connections and assist with their recovery. Lastly, Beryl Women Incorporated was awarded $8,720 for professional development to enhance the knowledge and skills of its team.
“These projects align with the four priorities identified in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032: prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery and healing,” Minister Paterson said.
Quote attributable to Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, Founder and President of SiTara’s Story Incorporated:
“At EmpowerHER: Breaking Silence, Building Strength, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of CALD women who face unique challenges in recognizing and addressing domestic violence. This funding is instrumental in enabling us to create impactful podcasts and a documentary, fostering awareness and providing vital resources. We believe that education is key to transformation, and through community-led discussions and showcases, we will empower women to reclaim their narratives and advocate for their rights.”
Quote attributable to Carol Jennings, Founder of WaterWombats:
“The WaterWombats Disability Safety in Connection project will focus on delivering support services for women living with a disability or supporting those living with a disability. Small group programs will be delivered for both mental and physical health – which include group education sessions and social connection and physical health initiative in the form of an aqua yoga program. The program currently delivers free family counselling and social work services to attending families. This grant funding enables us to widen the scope of support and services to those in need.”
– Statement ends –
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases