SAFE PLACE Appeal: Help Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter Secure a Refuge for Mothers and Children

In Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai, a quiet but urgent crisis is unfolding, one that is forcing some of the most vulnerable members of our community into impossible decisions.

For women experiencing domestic violence, leaving is never simple. For mothers, it can be even harder. Right now, in our local area, women with children are being forced to choose between their own safety and staying with their children, because there is nowhere they can go together.

The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter has long provided a lifeline for women escaping violence. However, its current facility cannot accommodate children. This means some mothers are left with the devastating reality of either leaving their children behind or remaining in unsafe environments.

Jacquie Murray, Deputy Chair from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter says the demand for support has grown significantly.

“In 2025, we received over 200 referrals to the Shelter, which is an 86 per cent increase on the year prior,” she said.

“We know we are meeting a community need, but we need to do more.”

For more than a year, the Shelter has been working to secure a second property, one specifically for mothers and their children. On several occasions, they have come close, only to fall short at auction by around $300,000.

Now, a renewed push is underway.

The SAFE PLACE Appeal, launched in partnership with Community Bank Lindfield, is aiming to close that gap and secure a dedicated home where families can stay together while they rebuild their lives.

Community Bank Lindfield Chair Jennifer Anderson OAM said the decision to support the appeal was a natural extension of the bank’s role in the community.

“As a community bank, we exist to support the people and organisations that make our region stronger,” Mrs Anderson said.

“We have seen firsthand the impact the Shelter has had over the past decade, and we know this next step will make an enormous difference for local families who need support at their most vulnerable time.”

If successful, the new property would provide up to four families at a time with a safe place to stay for up to three months. It would offer not just a roof over their heads, but the chance to begin again in a secure and supportive environment.

Importantly, Community Bank Lindfield has committed to match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $150,000, effectively doubling the impact of community contributions.

The Shelter has spent the past decade quietly transforming lives. Five years ago, the community came together to help secure its first property. Now, the need has evolved, and the opportunity to respond is clear.

With $300,000 still needed to secure the second home, the appeal is a call for the community to once again come together and make a tangible difference.

Donations can be made at https://hkws-safe-place-appeal-2026.raiselysite.com.