CHILDREN’S SPECIALIST DV WORKERS SHARE POSITIVE OUTCOMES
The work of Penrith-based DV West frontline workers, who support women and children escaping family and domestic violence in the Blue Mountains, Nepean and Hawkesbury, was the focus of a meeting, this week (14 July), with Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney.
Along with Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, Ms Kearney met with DV West CEO Cat Gander, Aboriginal support workers and Children’s Specialist DV workers.
Ms Templeman said “DV West works with children and young people, in close partnership with their mother or carer, to develop case plans that meet their individual goals and wishes.
“Children have different needs to help recover after trauma, and DV West is leading the way in child-focused support,” Ms Templeman said.
“The workers shared with us examples of the activities that have helped reconnect children and their mums or carers after domestic and family violence. This might be anything from family outings, starting new sports, cultural camps, all of which can bring happiness and new ways of bonding.
“DV West has been supporting women and children in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Nepean and Western Sydney for decades and it is vital that we listen and learn from the positive outcomes they are achieving,” she said.
“I was also pleased to be updated on the new crisis and transitional accommodation, in the Blue Mountains, that DV West has secured with funding from the Albanese Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund, one of my 2022 election commitments.”
The Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney said that ending family violence will take a whole of society and whole of government approach.
“Since coming into the social services portfolio I’ve travelled the country listening and learning from the experts on family violence prevention – frontline workers.
“Too often children are the forgotten victims of family violence, and I found it incredibly positive to learn about the impacts DV West is achieving by not just supporting mums fleeing violence but working directly with children.
“While the Albanese Labor Government has made a record investment of over $4 billion into family violence prevention, there is still so much more to do. Stopping family violence in a generation is an absolute priority of this government.”
If you, or someone you know are experiencing family violence contact DV West on 02 4732 2318 to discuss your concerns confidentially with a specialist worker.
Or phone 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
If you’re in immediate danger, please contact 000.
ENDS
TUESDAY 15 JULY 2025
*Attached image: Susan Templeman (standing second from left), Ged Kearney (standing third from left), Cat Gander (standing fourth from left) and DV West workers on Monday 14 July 2025
