Writer’s safe home quest
MORE NEEDED: Author Lyn Kulow is trying to raise money to purchase a block of land near Cairns' CBD to establish a children's contact home. A CHILDREN’S book author is raising money to establish a purpose-built home close to Cairns’ city centre, to help victims of domestic violence.
Lyn Kulow, wants enough for a deposit on a private property near Cairns Hospital, which will become a Children’s Contact House (CC House).
The $1 million project, which is to be located near the city’s health and social services, will allow children to develop a relationship with a non-protective parent, following a parental separation due to domestic abuse.
It provides a supervised environment, that is safe and comfortable for both parents and their children.
Ms Kulow said she was aware there was a great need for such a facility in Cairns.
“Existing organisations are doing a wonderful job with what they have, but there are huge limitations due to not having a facility, staff shortages, and a lack of funding,” she said.
“There is a need to have supervised contact for children who are transitioning out of that domestic violence environment.
“And yes, there are services in Cairns, but there’s just not enough.”
It is hoped the CC House will be operated as a social enterprise, to be owned by the Cairns community, independent of government funding.
Ms Kulow, who is applying for government grants for the project, is aiming to raise at least $5000 to secure a deposit on a house Grafton St.
She has committed 50 per cent of profit from the sale of her children’s books, up until October 19, towards the house.
“I want to make sure the house has a real homelike feel, and that the building can be leased out to other organisations,” she said.
“It can be used for training and that kind of stuff, and also be a safe space for that nonprotective parent, rather than making them into a criminal.”
To donate towards the Children’s Contact House, head to www.gofundme.com/ f/cc-house-cairns-for-safechild-contact. for sale along
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