At the annual Inspirational Women Awards & Women’s Refuge Gala, at Queenstown’s Rydges, on Saturday night, Central Lakes Family Services impact and development leader Ella Hitchcock announced the years of hard work and fundraising had paid off.
"The house, in particular, in conjunction with the decades of services we’ve been [providing], is an undeniable asset to this community, especially having it by the community, for the community," she tells Mountain Scene.
"It is disappointing that our services have to keep growing and expanding ... but it’s great to be filling it, and filling it locally, for this region — not having to send people to a place they might not be familiar with, or might not be close to work, is really transformational."
Per capita, Hitchcock says, the Queenstown-Lakes district is "one of the highest" in the South Island for instances of domestic violence.
While women in need sometimes choose to travel to other places for safe accommodation, to be closer to support networks, for example, it’s been difficult for women whose visas are tied to this region, she says.
"Your main goal is to keep yourself safe and your kids safe.
"You’re not thinking about the ramifications of employment or visa, but there are ramifications for a lot of women, and we have to tackle that, alongside tackling their safety and health concerns."
She notes the new safe house provides women with autonomy, space, time and security to decide "what their next chapter looks like, for themselves" and praises the "mammoth" efforts of Julia Strelou, founder and organiser of the Inspirational Women Awards and gala.
On Saturday night, over $23,000 was raised, taking the total amount raised in three years to almost $80,000.
The money, Hitchcock says, is "overwhelming", but knowing the community is prepared to stand up and be part of the change is "really exciting".
"We would love to be in a community that sees no violence, but it’s nice to know that our community is ready to make the changes towards being better.
"The money’s great, don’t get me wrong, but also the feel of community spirit — it all makes a difference in the way our workers feel doing the work."
