FUNDING LIFELINE FOR WOMEN’S CENTRE

An important program to address family violence in the Wagga area will continue for now, thanks to a successful funding application to the NSW Government.  

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has worked closely with the Wagga Women’s Health Centre (WWHC) and the government to secure funding for the successful Men as Allies program.  

The centre has been granted $220,000 for 12 months to enable the ongoing delivery of the project, after the cessation of funding threatened the viability of the project last year.  

WWHC President, Vickie Burkinshaw, said the program would play an important role in addressing family violence by working with men and boys to challenge gender norms and promote positive male role models and behaviours.  

“We are thrilled to be continuing this work which aims to upskill men and boys to become mentors, allies and leaders within their own networks, helping to change attitudes that can result in family and domestic violence,” she said.  

“Our community was alarmed when funding for the program ceased last year but combined action by our members, supporters and advocates like Joe McGirr has helped to restore some of the funding and build upon work that’s already been done.  
   
“A whole of community approach is needed to reduce family violence, and encouraging awareness and respect among men and boys is central to that, so it’s very exciting to be moving ahead with this program in 2026.”  

Dr McGirr has thanked the community and the government for having faith in the program.  

“As a member of Wagga’s Men’s Consultative Group, I’ve seen first-hand how giving knowledge to men and boys can make them part of the solution instead of being the problem, and I’m delighted that the Wagga Women’s Health Centre can now continue its highly effective work in this important area,” he said.  

“The fact that funding was lost last year dismayed many people, but it was heartening to see our community rally in support of a funding application that enables the continuation of the centre’s work.  

“Thank you to everyone who lent their voice to advocacy for this funding package and thank you also to the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Jodie Harrison, for recognising the remarkable efforts of the women’s health centre in this field.”  

Ms Burkinshaw said work would continue to secure the program’s future over the longer term. 

“As this is one-off time limited program funding that will end in December, the Centre must seek further funding opportunities to ensure important primary prevention programs such as these can continue,” she said. 

“A whole of community approach requires sustained funding to encourage community involvement and build on the momentum of addressing domestic and family violence in our community.”