Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This Friday, 21 October, the Manly Warringah Women's Resource Centre will celebrate their 40th anniversary at the Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy. Providing crisis accommodation, counselling, court advocacy, family support and short-term housing, the Women's Resource Centre's mission is simple: to engender women, children and families to be safe, secure and connected and have the opportunity and environment to thrive and achieve their aspirations.

Last year, the number of reported domestic violence related assaults in Pittwater and Warringah was 271, not including unreported instances and sexual offences. One is too many; 271 is far too many women and children affected by domestic violence, let alone sexual assault. Founded in 1976, the Women's Resource Centre has been fighting to help these women and children rebuild their lives.

The people of Mackellar do not wait around for others to fix their problems; they pull up their bootstraps and they roll up their sleeves to create solutions. I am honoured to be representing the many passionate and dedicated individuals who continue to provide a safe haven for women and children in need in the Northern Beaches. Congratulations on your 40th anniversary and congratulations on opening the new Barbara Kilpatrick Wing. As your representative in federal parliament, I thank you for all the essential services you provide and the hard work you have been doing in helping others.