Marrickville Legal Centre has had its funding for a domestic and family violence worker restored after funding ceased on June 30.

The Centre will receive a $100,000 grant to fund the service following the intervention of Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill, and Sophie Cotsis MLC.

The news comes as the Centre and Ms Haylen launch a petition in the inner west to properly fund Women’s Health Centres and Women’s Counselling Services.

The petition is being signed by residents across NSW and will be debated in the NSW Parliament when it attracts over 10,000 signatures and can be found at Jo Haylen’s Marrickville Office and Marrickville Legal Centre.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Summer Hill

“This is fantastic news for the Marrickville Legal Centre and for women across the inner west.

“Marrickville Legal Centre is uniquely placed to assist women escaping family violence and this funding will ensure critical front-line services are available for another year.

“The Centre has been busily fundraising to keep the service in place and this will mean they can focus on helping vulnerable people needing legal assistance.”

“The upheaval in DV services in NSW has been difficult and confusing for women across the state and I’m pleased this provides some certainty for at least another year.”

Quotes attributable to Sophie Cotsis MLC,Shadow Minister for Women

“It was unacceptable that this service was left unfunded and I am pleased women in the inner west won’t be left behind when they need help most.

“The petition will call on the Government to restore funding to counselling services, case management, housing and other specialist services for women escaping domestic and family violence.”

“We must do a lot more to protect and assist women in NSW, particularly women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, indigenous women and women with disability, who rely each and every day on services like those provided by Marrickville Legal centre.”

Quotes from Catherine Dornan, General Manager, Marrickville Legal Centre

“Marrickville Legal Centre is thrilled that this vital service will be funded for another year.”

 “Having a domestic & family violence support worker available at the Centre is critical in ensuring vulnerable women and young people get the support they need, when they need it.”

 “We thank Minister Goward for listening to our concerns and recognising the important work that community legal centres do in providing support for women and children affected by domestic and family violence”

 “We need to thank all our wonderful supporters, particularly Jo Haylen for her vocal support of this important work.”