AFUW-ACT
Inc. Meeting Report March 2009
Topic: Toora
Speaker: Jacky Cook
Jackie Cook Executive Director of Toora Inc. Toora is one of the women’s
refuges in north Canberra which has quite an extensive outreach program
and she will relate all the programs that Toora is involved with. Toora
will be the recipient of the SI Canberra IWD breakfast to be held the
next day at St James Uniting Church, Curtin.
Jacky Cook spoke to us of the work of Toora Women Inc. which is a Women’s
Refuge which holds 7 or 8 people; there are 3 other refuges which come
under their jurisdiction. It is based on feminism and has a non-judgmental,
inclusive and flexible approach. The first woman’s refuge was
in
Sydney in 1974, the Canberra refuge began in 1975.
Many coming have drug and alcohol problems; referrals come from the
Remand centre and PSU (psychiatric unit at the hospital). There are
10 crisis beds for anyone over 50.
A drop in centre for single women has been opened; it will offer cheap
food, education support groups and showers for homeless women as well
as an activities room and access to a psychiatrist.
CRISIS accommodation for women escaping domestic violence, which is
accessible 24 hours a day. Some women are migrants who have come to
Australia sponsored by their husbands who become violent so the women
then have no income.
ALETA - supports 20 beds for over 50s. Homeless services are supported
by DCH. It offers an outreach service to help women maintain safe secure,
affordable housing options, to help them access education, community
resources, and support networks. It is not for women with children.
LESLEY’S PLACE - is a recovery house with accommodation for children.
The women are expected to do community things and take the children
to school. It is for those who want to change their drug and alcohol
problems.
HEIRA HOUSE is crisis accommodation - support and outreach for single
women and women not
accompanied by children who are escaping domestic violence.
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