Newsletter - Issue 6 - December 2021
Our news
What a year! We are so proud of Pop In’s first year as an active service helping families of the Wingecarribee. It’s incredible to look back on what we’ve achieved since a group of committed individuals set out on a journey to research and deliver a unique, best-practice model that would help women and their children who are affected by domestic violence and abuse. Since opening the doors to our cottage in March 2021, we have helped more than 120 women and:
recruited a team of professional, committed domestic violence and trauma specialists, and a dedicated team of volunteers
established key strategic relationships, community support and funding arrangements
pulled together a board that is energised and excited about the future of Pop In.
We are incredibly thankful to all of our supporters for their generosity and advocacy, and for their confidence in Pop In.
Sending everyone our best wishes for a very happy holiday season with the people you love. We hope the break is restful and filled with the things that bring you joy.
Vicki Kelley,
Chair
Minister for Women visits Pop In
It was an honour to host the Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne, at Pop In. After a tour of the cottage and the garden, we sat down for morning tea and talked about the way Pop In’s wrap-around service helps women of the Southern Highlands who are affected by domestic violence and abuse.
Grant success from CommBank
We are excited to announce that Pop In has been awarded a 2021 CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grant. We will receive $10,000 to support the vital work we do in the community.
Thank you to the staff at CommBank who participate in Workplace Giving, and who nominated Pop In as an organisation worthy of their support.
Our results
As a registered charity with deductible gift recipient status, Pop In is required to submit an annual report to the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission. That process pulled out some figures of which we’re very proud.
Since Pop In opened its doors in March this year, more than 120 women have contacted us or been referred by another organisation. At the time of writing, Pop In was actively helping more than 20 women with casework and support.
What were the reasons women made contact in the first place? Our research in November showed that, for the majority (25%), it was a direct request for domestic violence support and safety planning. Others came to us for:
support to help find accommodation (15%)
mental health support (11%)
financial counselling (11%)
material assistance (10%)
legal advice (16%)
social connection and wellbeing (10%).
Our community
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to see Mahalia Barnes chat with Michaela Bolzan about what home in the Highlands means to her. When Mahalia sang I Am Woman, the whole place shook - it was an honour to be at this very special evening.
Mahalia was the first guest in The Highlands, A Place Called Home, a conversation series presented by Highland Recruitment to raise money for Pop In. We’re so grateful to Lynn Watson and Rachael Oakes-Ash for this wonderful idea, to Banter Group for marketing support, and of course to Michaela and Mahalia.
This event was organised entirely by supportive members of the community. All the money raised from ticket sales and the raffle went directly to Pop In. Watch this space for future events just as special as this one!
Our people
Yvette Pietsch is a Pop In board member and our Treasurer. With over 25 years experience in public practice as a Chartered Accountant, working with private groups and not-for-profit organisations, it’s an honour to have her skills and wisdom as part of the Pop In team.
Yvette has extensive experience in financial and risk management, corporate governance, business operations and commercial management. She also serves on the board of Argyle Housing and has been part of the Pop In story right from the start.
Our partners
Thank you to Simon and Helen Green at PropertyLife Southern Highlands, who approached Pop In to offer advertising space in their magazine. Pop In supports all women in the Wingecarribee, whatever their age, ethnicity or socio-economic background. That’s why it’s so important to get the word out about our services in as many places as we can. Thank you for your foresight, PropertyLife!
When Pop In’s focus was on setting up on the cottage at 2 Mona Rd, we were grateful to Scott’s Security Service, who helped make the premises safe and non-threatening. Scott’s is a local business that officers personalised service, tailored security solutions and the support to understand how the products in your home or business work so you have full control. Their advice and practical support was invaluable.
Learn more
Get in touch online or by emailing admin@popin.org.au
Phone us on 02 4872 1229
Pop In is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. Make an appointment to visit 2 Mona Rd, Bowral.
This service is for women who live in the Wingecarribee LGA. Visitors from other areas will be referred to support closer to home. Women of all ages, ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds are welcome.
