Sharon, Chair

When I heard the staggering domestic violence statistics for the Penrith region, I couldn’t sleep. I kept wondering what happened to these women and children and how I could help them. That’s when I approached Annabelle, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters about opening another shelter. 

I am a practicing lawyer and also have a commerce degree. My qualifications and work have enabled me to provide a sense of commerciality to all things business in establishing The Haven. I think my call to the law is also what has called me to The Haven – in both I am trying to do for people what they can’t do for themselves.

Natalie, Co-Chair

I came to the Board with a passion and a determination to effect change. I knew something more could and should be done to help women and children who experience domestic violence. 

I am an Industrial Relations Professional who has negotiated many support systems within work places for women experiencing domestic and family violence as well as negotiated some of the most superior domestic violence clauses into Enterprise Agreements within the country.  I am an advocate for equality and workplace safety for all workers, and will use my experience to assist not only the employees of The Haven but also the women who stay with us and call The Haven home.

Fiona, Treasurer

The statistics around domestic and family violence are chilling and are something that I think everyone needs to be doing more to change. Alongside physical and emotional abuse, financial abuse can be a form of domestic and family violence that often keeps victims trapped in the cycle.

I am an accountant and am passionate about supporting women to achieve education, equality and empowerment over their lives and finances. As Treasurer, it is my hope to not only support The Haven’s continued operation, but to also provide support to the women and children that stay in the shelter.

Rebecca, Board Member

The domestic violence statistics in the Penrith region are compelling and they just can’t be ignored. I am also conscious that domestic violence does not only involve physical acts. It often looks like financial control and this is an area I can help with. With my background in finance – I can help rationalize numbers and set a path in front of women leaving these situations. 

I am passionate about lifting those around us. With 16 years’ experience as a business owner, I am blessed to have the skills and experience to mentor other people to grow and thrive, including raising my daughters by example to be strong independent women who make their own choices.

Tricia, Board Member

Many years ago when I was a young Detective a woman came to see me. She was distraught and had been horribly abused by her husband. I spent a long time with her that day, offering her every option I could to get her out of that house but in the end, she wanted to go home to be with her children. She promised to come back the next day, but she never did. That has haunted me ever since, and I want to make sure no one ever feels that desperate ever again. 

As the Deputy Mayor of Penrith and a local business owner I have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on domestic violence and educate our community. It is happening and we need it to stop.

Annabelle, CEO WCS

As CEO of Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), I have worked with local communities around NSW to establish and open five shelters in Sydney.  I have worked with a range of organisations, individuals and community stakeholders and all levels of government to achieve change in the field of homelessness for women. I have been a family support and operations professional for 20 years, working in private enterprise, Federal government, and the community sector.  I have held a leadership position in the Department of Human Services, overseeing a child support program and been the Manager of Elsie, Australia’s longest-established women’s shelter, providing services and support to women and children experiencing homelessness and escaping domestic violence.

I am passionate about establishing more shelters throughout NSW and am already working with half a dozen communities to expand the WCS model.

Cindie, Board Member

As a former senior NSW Police Officer, I had firsthand experience in dealing with domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents. Gaining a clear understanding of the hardship and trauma that women and children suffer. Having limited options to provide women on where to go was always difficult. These experiences have fuelled my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of women and children experiencing DFV. I am proud to be part of The Haven, an organisation making real change in our community.

Katherine, Board Member

I am an event specialist and a vocational teacher, I am passionate about supporting women in education and running events to raise awareness and much needed funds for the Haven.

I believe everyone deserves a safe haven and I want to show my children we all can do something to make a change within our community.