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 on Murray St, Port Macquarie (Killara House).
Department of Housing purchased a property for the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge after Council requested vacation of Murray St property.
Department of Community Services provided 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 was accepted by the Management Committee.
Relocated to a new purpose-built refuge. Department of Housing provided 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 a project, Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence (CPADFV).
Opened our Outreach Centre – Liberty Cottage on Gordon St.
Successfully tendered to pilot Men’s Behaviour Change Program – Engage2Change Mid North Coast along with Kempsey Family Support Services and Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services.
Organisation purchased property in Table St for relocation of 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, with Women NSW Innovation Funding.
Established Joining the Dots Aboriginal service providers network.
Winner of the Greater Port Macquarie Community Services Award.
Achieved full registration 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.
Announced as Winner of Community and Social Services category in the 2021 Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards and Outstanding Community Organisation Finalist in the 2022 Business NSW Mid North Coast Awards.
Launched Liberty Links Mobile Outreach Service.
Rebranded Liberty to complement commissioned artwork, Galbaan Wakulda, by Birrbay artist Angela Marr-Grogan.
