Throughout May 2021 for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, services reflect on the progress made to improve safety for those affected by Domestic Violence and consider the next steps that need to be taken. Over the last nine months Galiwin'ku Women's Space (GWS) have been working hard to better understand the needs of their community and clients. Their new website is one of the ways GWS believe they can share their hopes for the Galiwin'ku community, and inspire both women and men to create a vibrant and safe community for children – a community where culture is thriving.
The website highlights the organisation's Yolŋu leadership and vision – that together we can create a safer and stronger Galiwin’ku – with an emphasis on local images and Yolŋu Matha. GWS chairperson Bettina Daŋabarr says "The new website is a chance for us to share not just our vision but the strength of our culture and community." The new site offers insights into GWS's culturally safe approaches to service delivery and the path that GWS forged whilst navigating two systems - Yolŋu and Balanda. Ms Daŋabarr says "We hope the website is place were both Yolŋu and Balanda can go and learn about GWS and each other. We have been fortunate to work alongside wonderful organisations across local and territory levels. So we know when we build relationships on trust and understanding we can work better together to put an end to domestic and family violence". Faith Makwanya, Operations Manager for GWS says "As we work towards greater awareness of Domestic Violence and challenges we need to overcome, we can also celebrate National Volunteer Week, by recognising and thanking volunteers for the vital role they play in our lives, including natural disaster response and recovery. Our new website offers not only more ways to connect with us but new avenues for support." The 2021 theme for National Volunteer Week is Recognise, Reconnect, Reimagine – a call for Australians to reinvigorate the volunteering sector after its setbacks during the height of the pandemic.
For more information about GWS and its services please visit www.galiwinkuwomenspace.com