Mary’s House Celebrates 10 Years: A Decade of Providing Sanctuary on the North Shore

In late February, I had the pleasure of attending a sold-out milestone for Mary’s House: the tenth anniversary of ‘Hope Lives Here.’ 

This inaugural gathering marked a decade of extraordinary community action, bringing together over 400 guests and 50 volunteers.

The room was filled with a shared sense of optimism, attended by local politicians, community leaders, and passionate residents all united by a single conviction: that safety is a right, not a privilege.

While the event was a resounding success in both attendance and funds raised, the true impact was the powerful collective statement made by those in the room: No to domestic violence; Yes to hope, safety, and equality.

Domestic and family violence remains a defining national crisis. In NSW, police respond to a domestic violence call every three minutes, consuming 60% of their resources.

Disturbingly, we know that over half of all incidents still go unreported.

Long before this was declared a national emergency, our community stepped up. Since 2016, Mary’s House has provided over 16,500 safe room nights. Operating without government funding for a local refuge, they rely entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and philanthropists.

For a decade, while government funding for a local women’s refuge remained absent,this community stepped in to ensure those escaping violence had a sanctuary.

‘Hope Lives Here’ is more than just an event title; it is the living heart of Mary’s House and a testament to what we can achieve together.

Thank you to the Community Bank of Linfield for extending an invitation for my seat at the table.

Mary’s House Services remains a vital sanctuary for victim-survivors fleeing to Sydney’s North, as well as those seeking safety from within our own region. It is here that crisis meets community, and where hope truly finds a home.