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In this edition:
- Meet our clients: Krista*, Jessie* and their children
- Governor-General of Commonwealth of Australia now our Patron
- Local domestic violence sector gather at Mary's House Services
- Long Lunch fundraiser showcases community generosity
- Meet two of our community partners
- Register now for Mary’s House Walk – 26th October
- Lace up for a safer community: City2Surf and Sydney Marathon
- 160,000 reports to NSW police annually; support more important than ever
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Krista*, Jessica*, and their courageous children
* Names and some details changed for safety |
Krista* endured years of abuse - psychological, verbal, emotional, financial, sexual, and physical. It was her 13-year-old daughter who made the first brave move.
“Mum, I know what’s happening… and it’s just not right,” said her daughter.
“I’ve said no. Now I need you to do this too.”
Because of your support for our services, Krista and her daughter were able to stay at our refuge during the summer, where they began their journey of healing. With the help of a dedicated specialist domestic and family violence social worker, and the support of our community, they are now in safe longer-term housing and remain connected with our services.
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| Jessie*, another recent client, fled home with her son after he attempted to intervene to protect his mum during a violent episode. They have never returned. After finding sanctuary and receiving expert support from our social workers, Jessie and her son are now living safely. |
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This is a snapshot of our work with women and children - we provide support for as long as it takes, with some clients returning for assistance several times after their initial escape.
The End of Financial Year is a critical moment for Mary’s House Services. We rely on your generosity to deliver these life-changing services into the new financial year.
Please donate before June 30: receive your tax-deductible receipt. Help us say no to violence and yes to safety, support and hope. |
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Surviving an abusive relationship is traumatic; recovery is complex and doesn’t happen overnight. But with your help, we stand with women and children every step of the way - with compassion, dignity, and hope.
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We are thrilled to announce that Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has graciously extended patronage to Mary’s House Services.
Her Excellency’s deep commitment to inclusion, gender equality, and care powerfully aligns with our mission. This honour is a proud milestone in our nine-year history - and a tribute to you, our community, which has supported us every step of the way.
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DFV sector meets at Mary’s House Services |
In April, we brought together local domestic and family violence support services at our new North Sydney premises. For many of our guests, it was their first face-to-face meeting with colleagues.
Hosted by our Community Programs Manager and supported by our whole team, the event was welcomed as an opportunity to connect and build stronger referral pathways. Collaboration ensures we can offer best-practice support to clients, addressing what our Prime Minister correctly describes as a national crisis.
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Earlier this year, GT Communications organised and sponsored the inaugural Mary’s House Long Lunch.
Spearheaded by Gemma Tognini and the GTC team and hosted with generosity by Piato Restaurant, the event was filled with compassion, purpose and great food and wine. Support from every donor and guest meant the world to us, and to the women and children we serve. |
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Keen to host your own fundraising event and #sayno to domestic and family violence? Contact us - we’d love to share how you can step up for our clients. |
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We’re proud to be community partners with The Norths Collective and North Sydney Bears:
- North Sydney Bears are wearing the Mary’s House Services logo on their guernseys in 2025 and championing the safety of women and children. Upcoming home games: June 15, June 22, July 13, and August 24 - join them for family-friendly days of sport and support.
- The Norths Collective has again nominated us for their Community Points for Good program. Members can donate their loyalty points, which Mary’s House Services' clients receive as gift cards. Gift cards provide access to essential items like groceries, personal care, children’s needs and transport.
Want to step up and become a community partner and say yes - to safety, dignity, and aim for a future free from violence? Contact our team
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Walk with us. Stand with us.
Say no to domestic violence. |
Our annual walk returns in October. We need you to join our powerful community of supporters as we raise funds and awareness about the national crisis of gendered violence.
- Sunday, October 26
- 8km, easy grade – prams, dogs on leads welcome too!
- St Leonards Park, North Sydney
Create a team, bring your friends, and fundraise with purpose.
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City2Surf and TCS Sydney Marathon 2025
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We’re now officially registered with Grassrootz, the fundraising platform for the City2Surf and Sydney Marathon.
If you are a runner or City2Surf walker, please participate this year for Mary’s House Services and help us raise life-changing funds.
Infinity Constructions who ran for us last year are returning in 2025. They never leave a job unfinished! Our great friends at Piper Alderman have already registered their Mary’s House Services team.
Want to join? Contact us and we’ll help you get started - City2Surf is on August 10th, and Sydney Marathon is on August 31st, - so you should be in training now!
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NSW Police report responding to a domestic violence call every three minutes - over 160,000 calls a year, with this work now accounting for more than 60% of police time.
While demand for services is growing, the need for your care is urgent.
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Thank you for standing with us, saying no to domestic and family violence, and yes to safety, hope, and healing.
With gratitude,
Yvette Vignando
CEO |
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ABOUT US
Mary’s House Services, a domestic and family violence registered charity organisation, has been 100% funded by the generosity of our community - those who care deeply about the safety of women and children and are committed to saying no to domestic violence in any form. #SayNo |
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