Pop In Newsletter August 2024
Dear Supporter and Friend,
I hope this message finds you well. On August 21st, Micaela Cronin (pictured above), the Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Commissioner, addressed the National Press Club, presenting her report card to the government to assess progress towards the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children by 2030. In her speech, she offered critical suggestions for refining the elements that need improvement.
Ms. Cronin emphasised the importance of engaging men in the strategic changes necessary to achieve the National Plan. Her focus includes understanding men who perpetrate domestic violence and determining effective ways to engage all men in ending violence.
You can watch her full speech here
The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, initiated by the Commonwealth in collaboration with States and Territories, is built on four key pillars: Prevention, Early Intervention, Response, and Recovery and Healing.
Pop In’s work in our community, particularly our intensive casework and diverse programs, aligns with all four pillars. Remarkably, we have been delivering these services in our region without any funding from the Commonwealth or State.
To further our mission, we have a meeting with Minister Jodie Harrison to discuss the current barriers that limit our effectiveness in delivering all elements of the strategy as adopted by the NSW government. These barriers include:
Removing obstacles to data collection and sharing from non-government-funded services. This will enable more accurate tracking of the number of women and children affected by domestic violence, allowing for better-targeted interventions.
Eliminating barriers to interagency client referrals for funding. This will facilitate more efficient and effective solutions for those in need.
Expanding regional and rural consultation processes with service providers. This will ensure that the unique needs of women, their children, and communities impacted by domestic violence are heard and addressed.
By addressing these barriers, Pop In and other non-government funded services can continue to deliver solutions that align with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children at a local, state, and national level.
I will provide an update on our meeting in the upcoming edition of the Pop In newsletter.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Movie goers Brave the Cold for Pop In!
Over 120 supporters and movie enthusiasts braved the cold to attend “The Fabulous Four” at the Bowral Empire Cinema. All agreed it was a fantastic film celebrating female friendship. Congratulations to Gael Smith, who won the lucky door prize—a Wine Tasting with a Local Produce grazing platter from Dawning Day Wines—at our recent movie night!
Thank you to everyone who attended, and special thanks to Sue Campbell for organising the event, the team at Empire Cinema, and Dawning Day Wines.
Kangaloon Hall Gets a Special Makeover for Pop In
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible organising committee—Georgie Curran, Susie Tonkin, Bec Aldridge, Aurelie, Bec Houghton, Pip Reed, Carlie Philby, and Leah Bischoff—who transformed the small, cold village hall into a beautiful, warm, and welcoming venue for the inaugural Boots and Blazers lunch.
The Boots and Blazers Committee
Kangaloon Hall was transformed into a spring garden by Dordie Crouch Floristry, with blooms, blossoms, and branches adorning every corner. Over 70 guests enjoyed a delicious lunch from Moonacres, paired with wines from Centennial Winery, The Mulled Wine Company, and Rameau d’Or Wines, lovingly supported by Laguna Events. Vicki Kelley, Chair and Co-founder of Pop In, and Dr. Louella Grattan-Smith, Director of Operations, shared the vital work Pop In is doing within the Southern Highlands community and the importance of raising funds.
Meanwhile, the boys were not left out—Richard Perkins hosted an informal lunch for about 40 of his mates at the Burrawang Hotel in support of Pop In.
Together, these events raised over $57,000, for which we are truly grateful. These funds will go directly to our frontline services, supporting women and children navigating domestic violence and abuse.
From time to time, we have specific needs for our Community Pantry, or we may have a member of our Pop In community who needs assistance with household items. Check out our social media for details or email us at programs@popin.org.au.