Child safety drives new domestic violence program for Bourke

Maranguka’s Chief Executive Officer, Kate Pargeter. Photo: Beverley Callow

Story: Kristin Murdock and Rod Corfe

When Bourke residents were asked what mattered most for the future of their community, the answer was overwhelming – child safety.

After six to eight months of community consultation and ‘deep listening’, Maranguka Community Hub has secured funding to deliver a new Staying in Community Leaving Violence (SiCLV) program designed to help families experiencing domestic and family violence remain safely connected to their community, culture and support networks.

Maranguka’s Chief Executive Officer, Kate Pargeter, said the program was a direct response to what local people identified as their highest priority.

The initiative forms part of a NSW government investment in culturally safe domestic and family violence support services for Aboriginal communities, with Maranguka selected to deliver the program in the Bourke Local Government Area.

“The idea of the program is that we actually enable and empower people to stay in communities, stay connected to their culture, stay connected to their support networks for longer-term wellbeing, but to do so in a way where they are safe to do so as well,” Ms Pargeter said. […]

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