JENNY'S Place Domestic Violence Resource Centre's future is in limbo, with staff saying the level of community donations to keep its vital service afloat are "well below the benchmark we are hoping for" as it campaigns for the government to intervene and provide funding.
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As previously reported, the service relies on donations for its resource centre, which provides women fleeing violence with ongoing, long-term support including information, referral to other services and advocacy.
Port Waratah Coal Services provided two years of funding, but this will run out by September.
The service receives state government funding only for its accommodation and outreach.
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon spoke in Parliament on Tuesday, calling on the government to step in.
"The Liberal government campaigned on a promise of $328 million to combat domestic violence in our community. That included $86 million to be sent to frontline services," she said.
"This is a test of the government's commitment to stopping violence against women and children."
Jenny's Place manager Marcia Chapman and corporate partnerships specialist Saibre Johnstone have met with Ms Claydon and plan to submit a funding proposal to Minister for Social Services Anne Ruston by the end of this week.
They have also written to Minister for Women Marise Payne and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman requesting a meeting.
Ms Chapman said the service had not formally applied for government funding before.
"We'd been led to believe there was no government gross funding available."
A spokesperson for Ms Ruston said she would respond to Ms Claydon's letter "in due course".
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"The office is not aware of any direct funding approaches from Jenny's Place, however, the Minister welcomes all approaches from organisations delivering family and domestic violence services."
The department said state and territory governments have primary responsibility for the funding of front line domestic violence services, but there were opportunities for grants under the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
A spokesperson for Mr Speakman said the request had been received and was being considered.
A spokesperson for Ms Payne said she had received the request and would reply as soon as possible.
Ms Chapman said in the interim, the service needed community and corporate support.
It can offer corporations training around how to recognise and respond to domestic violence and support staff.
"Even if we do get government funding, we're not sure the timeframe it will take to hit our account. We need the funds to be able to get on with the work - there's a lot out there."
givenow.com.au/jennysplace
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