In 1980, a group of local women created a safe place for women and children affected by domestic violence in the community. Now, more than 40 years later, Liberty provides a broad range of specialist domestic violence and homelessness support services.
This is our proud history (we prefer to call it our ‘herstory’) of four decades of working to secure funding to provide crisis accommodation and support services for women and children in need.
Temporary refuge established in a Council property on Savoy St, Port Macquarie.
Relocated from Savoy St to another Council property at 23 Murray St, Port Macquarie (Killara House).
Department of Housing purchase a property for the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge after Council requested vacation of Murray St property.
Department of Community Services provide funding under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program to provide support to women and children escaping domestic violence.
Department of Housing approved funds for the purchase of land and design and construction of a new refuge. Block of land purchased.
A design for the new Refuge is accepted by Management Committee.
Relocation to new purpose-built refuge. Department of Housing provide the existing property as medium-term accommodation for the client group.
Innovation & Investment Funding Project.
Funded under Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services Program to deliver new Project Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence (CPADFV).
Opening of our Outreach Centre – “Liberty Cottage”.
Formed consortium with Kempsey Family Support Services and Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services for successful tender to pilot Men’s Behaviour Change Program – Engage2Change Mid North Coast.
Organisation purchases outreach property in Table St for Liberty Cottage.
Liberty Cottage relocated to specially-renovated premises in Table St Organisation launched its new name, Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, and refreshed logo.
Fixed Address Men’s Behaviour Change program launched, Women NSW Innovation Funding Established Joining the Dots Aboriginal service providers network Winner of the Greater Port Macquarie Community Services Award.
Achieved full registration as compliant with the Practice Standards for Men’s Behaviour Change Program.
Implemented Adapted Service Delivery Model to ensure service delivery continuation during COVID-19 and achieved COVID Safe registration.
Achieved Australian Service Excellence Standards Accreditation.
Launched Safe Pets emergency accommodation for pets at Galbaan House.
Launched Ngathuwa Connecting to Culture program for Aboriginal women and children.
