Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

[by video link] Just before lockdown, I had the privilege of launching Ann Leslie, her son Charley and Jackie Walford on the Berowra community's half-marathon to raise money for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter. Ann, who owns Ann Leslie's Music Studio, and Steve Cross, the founder of Bugs About, felt moved to do something to support the vital work of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter, including hosting a fundraising event for the women's shelter in May. Local business and community groups have thrown their support behind the fundraising effort. These organisations include St Mark's Anglican Church of Berowra, Berowra Baptist Church, Cafe Laurella, Berowra Christian School, Berowra Apex, Magical Meg, Mars Wrigley in Asquith, Berowra Fire and Rescue and Senior Constable Malcolm Baker, a DV officer from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai police unit, attending as a VIP on the day. The fundraising event raised $4,453. Congratulations to the local community on that massive effort.

The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter, established in 2015, provides a safe place for women experiencing domestic violence or homelessness. The shelter, which is led by Louise McCann and Lucy Garnier and is supported by Jacqui Landis, provides residential accommodation and professional care management to support up to 58 women a year. All the money raised for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter will be used to provide support to women currently in shelters and increase the number of places for women who need support. Jack Abadee in my own office joined the effort, raising money by running a half-marathon around his block, given it was during lockdown. Jack raised $1,890, beating his goal of $1,500.