Domestic violence shelter’s cash snub

RUTH’S Women’s Shelter Cairns has received a knockback from the state government for urgently needed funding for its hub – but $2.5m was announced on Wednesday for domestic violence and family support services predominantly in South-East Queensland.

The federal government created a $150m domestic violence response package to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, allocating funds to state governments to distribute.

Ruth’s Shelter had been operating since the 1970s, but the drop-in centre at Raintrees, Ruth’s Hub, opened in January last year with funding that would run out on June 30, manager Shelly Purvis said.

“We are still hopeful the federal government might be able to help us extend running of the project,” she said.

“Obviously we were disappointed to get the email.

“Our crisis accommodation is always full, we always have a bigger demand than accommodation available – I’m not sure how many women are trying to get into shelter, and can’t, because there’s nothing available.”

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch made the rejection email public on social media, where it prompted a flurry of angry comments.

“Not a cent of it is coming into Cairns – I am not going to give up on this, there is no question,” Mr Entsch said.

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation at Pormpuraaw will receive $144,360 to increase capacity including night patrols. Griffith University received $114,793 for its Preventing Violence in the Torres Strait through Positive Bystander Action program, run in partnership with the Torres Strait Island Social Justice Interagency Service.

If you know someone in an abusive relationship who needs help, call 1800 811 811.