HORNSBY Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter has elected new leadership to guide the organisation through its next phase of consolidation and growth.
HKWS’s Board elected Catherine Knox as Chair to replace outgoing Louise McCann and Jenny Talbot as Deputy Chair, filling the seat vacated by Lucy Garnier, at its annual general meeting on 15 November.
Ms McCann and Ms Garnier have both served the board for three years. Both will continue to volunteer for HKWS’s committees.
Incoming Chair Catherine Knox thanked Ms McCann and Ms Garnier for their vital contribution, including leading the acquisition of a permanent Shelter property which will provide stability and security for the future.
Ms Knox, who has served the Board for three years, said it was an honour and privilege to take up her new role.
Ms Knox is a passionate advocate for women’s rights having worked in the for-purpose sector for more than 20 years in the areas of maternal mentahealth, gendered violence, asylum seekers and refugees.
“Supporting and empowering the women who seek our care is at the heart of all we do,” she said. “Everyone of us has a role to play and can make a vital contribution to raising public awareness of the impact of gendered violence and the risks for older women facing homelessness.”
Incoming Deputy Chair Jenny Talbot, who has served on the Board for two years and been on Shelter committees for three years, said she was excited to take up her new role.
“I am well placed to support the organisation moving forward,” Ms Talbot said. “I have a strong focus on operations, simplification and automation and using technology to help connect with donors, supporters and the community.
“This will enable HKWS to better serve women who have experienced domestic abuse and ensure that we are able to provide Shelter services to our community in a sustainable way.”
The Board also welcomed two new members, Bernice Redman and Liane Giuliano.
The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter supports women experiencing domestic abuse and homelessness, by providing crisis accommodation and outreach services in the community.
Women stay at the shelter for up to three months and are allocated specialist caseworkers who support them to access necessary legal, health, employment and financial services.