After six years of relentless campaigning, Illawarra Women’s Health Centre executive director Sally Stevenson sits in the first-of-its-kind Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
The Illawarra is now home to an Australian-first – and perhaps world-first – centre to address domestic and family violence.
Six years after Illawarra Women’s Health Centre executive director Sally Stevenson told Shellharbour MP Anna Watson she wanted a chat, the first ever purpose-built wraparound service for women and children fleeing domestic violence opened to a joyous reception.
It’s been almost seven years of relentless campaigning from advocates for the much-needed service.
Psychologists, survivors, victim advocates, lawyers, community members and politicians gathered in the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre to celebrate on Friday (6 September).
Sally choked back tears as she recalled the moment she learnt the centre would become a reality.
“I got a five-word text from Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones on budget night 2022,” she said.
“It just read, ‘Your project has got funding.'”
Despite the challenges, Sally said she never lost faith that the centre would become a reality.
“We always believed we needed this centre and we would continue to campaign for it as long as it took,” she said.
“Because women had told us their stories, because women were involved in the research and design we couldn’t let them down by giving up.
“It was just a matter of how long and how hard the fight would be.”
A crowd of supporters gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
The fight won the enthusiastic and bipartisan support of the entire region across the political spectrum.
Sally said the sterling reputation and integrity built by the staff at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre was the key to winning that support.
“I’m so proud of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre staff who have underpinned this campaign,” she said.
“So many people gave of their time, experience, wisdom and skills to make this happen, from all levels of government to the media, health sector, finance sector and community sector, everyone has played their part.
“It speaks to the special nature of the Illawarra community.”
When you walk into the warm, welcoming space it feels like a friend’s home – if that friend had impeccable taste.
The interior of the centre was designed in consultation with victim-survivors of domestic violence and an Aboriginal reference group.
The result is cozy without being cluttered, soothing without being bland. Plants and artwork adorn the rooms, and the sage-green kitchen features appliances lovingly decorated with dot painting.
Chairwoman of the board, Jessica Koot, said she had “full body tingles” the first time she walked into the brand-new centre. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Chairwoman of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and family law solicitor Jessica Koot, said she teared up the first time she walked in.
“It’s been many years in the making and we are over the moon to be able to open this service,” she said.
“When we walked in for the first time there were full body tingles, it’s so beautiful.
“We know all women have the right to recover from trauma and we are very privileged to support women through our services here on that healing and recovery journey.”
It’s taken a chorus of voices, from victim-survivors to experts, to get to this point.
Domestic violence victim, survivor and advocate, Jane Matts, has shared her story ceaselessly to help others understand the urgent need for the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Family violence victim, survivor and advocate Jane Matts bared her soul to the public, the media and politicians to help them understand why the service is so essential.
“I got a one-page email and knew immediately I had to be part of it,” she said.
“It’s so innovative; there is so much opportunity for women to move forward. There’s no-one doing this; we have a system in recovery process that’s just triage; it’s stop-start.
“To have a one-stop-shop where we can have recovery happening with the support of a psychologist, a caseworker and other adjuncts with the long-term view to manage the wellbeing of women and children to move forward from domestic violence – it’s groundbreaking.”
The battle isn’t over, however.
The current space is an interim one, and the fight for a permanent home continues.
Sally said the team would also support other communities who wanted to replicate the centre.
Anna Watson said it best, before she was overcome by tears.
“Our tentacles are already reaching out, and they won’t stop until they reach every woman,” she said.
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