For the first time ever, all 10 of South Australia’s regional women’s safety hubs will employ a staff member dedicated to helping women and their children access information, local connections and support for family, sexual and domestic violence.

Since the first safety hub opened in Berri in 2019, the statewide network of hubs has largely relied on volunteers.

A new funding commitment of $776,000, supported by the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses, will now allow every hub to employ one paid staff member to lead the hubs’ work within their local communities, including Mount Gambier.

It also allows the employment of a centrally-based Safety Hub Coordinator to support their regional colleagues and programs.

The safety hubs offer a free service open to anyone, including those concerned for friends or relatives.

Usually co-located within other easily accessible public facilities – such as community centres, service providers or libraries – the hubs are designed to be safe and welcoming spaces that break down the stigma that women may face when seeking information about domestic violence support.

All hubs that work with trained volunteers will continue to do so, in addition to the new employees.

Contact wis@sa.gov.au or visit the Office for Women website to find out more about volunteer opportunities at your nearest safety hub.