THE Women’s Cottage in Richmond has been given free rent for 10 years by Hawkesbury Council.
The cottage is a safe haven for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence and it offers a number of free services for them.
With the 10 years of free rent, the cottage will be able to apply for grants to expand their services and building.
The Women’s Cottage manager Nicolle Lewis said it was fantastic news.
“We're just so happy to hear that Council was able to offer us free rent for 10 years,” she said.
“This is going to allow us to do some much needed work here at the cottage and run some valuable programs and we just appreciate the support of the Council.”
Hawkesbury Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett made the announcement at Richmond Oval after the Reclaim the Night March on October 27, after Council unanimously voted through a Notice of Motion brought forward by Greens councillor Danielle Wheeler.
Cr Wheeler said she was delighted.
“This is recognition of the valuable work the Women's Cottage does in the community and will allow them to increase services, obtain grants to renovate the building, and support and protect women and children in the Hawkesbury,” she said.
“Domestic violence is everyone's problem and services like the Women's Cottage are woefully underfunded. This is an example of Council working together to do something really good for the community.”
Cr Lyons-Buckett said she was proud the motion unanimously passed Council.
“The valuable work they do in offering services to women and children in the Hawkesbury will be enhanced by this decision, enabling them to offer an increased level of service,” she said.
Liberal councillor Patrick Conolly, who was part of the march along with Crs Wheeler and Lyons-Buckett, said he was happy to support the motion.
“The Women's Cottage provide a vital service for women who are experiencing or have experienced incredible adversity in their lives,” he said.
“I think Council should support their work in the small way we can, by providing their building rent free.”