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    OCR

    [...]tzng) auuezng Aq paudmog

    THE BIRTH OF A

    0mm



    Jenny’s Place Women & Children’s Refuge Newcastle

    Sep[...]
    [...]person to write
    the unique and inspiring story of Jenny's
    Place lncorporated 40 year history, than
    Suzie Romani.[...]en an often light hearted
    approach to telling the Jenny‘s PlaceJenny‘s Place
    journey and the social and political impact of
    th[...]story unfolds and etches in time, the history
    of Jenny's Place.

    Thank you.

    Marcia Chapman
    Manager
    Jenny’s Place Inc.
    Dedica‘z‘mt

    JENNY'S PLACE - THE BETH OF A DREAM

    Domestic violence is not p[...]c violence is a disorder that knows no boundary.

    Jenny's Place "The Birth of a Dream" is about women. Women and[...]at shaky, certainty. These are the women who left Jenny's at midnight
    only to be called back at three in th[...]ere today, fiercely loyal and determined to keep Jenny's PlaceJENNY'S PLACE — THE BIRTH OF A DREAM

    Dedicated to all touched by Jenny's Place Women's Refuge
    since September 1977
    [...]29
    11. A Call for Compassion (The Richmond Report/Jenny’s ‘rock' Rosemary Ramsey) ..... 32
    12. Opening th[...]...................................... 35
    13. Our Place , a Warm Safe Space (the Refuge and the ea[...]
    [...]ap pages.

    Wrong. To do justice to the history of Jenny‘s
    Place Women‘s Refuge, to chronicle the rites
    of passage of the women who worked to bring
    Jenny‘s Place to life, the scores of women
    who worked to keep h[...]titles attempting to feminise
    the first years of Jenny‘s life. Peminise, not
    trivialise , each essay is a vehicle to not only
    illustrate Jenny‘s growth over four decades
    but to lie bare the fact[...]n by wading into the
    unknown armed with copies of Jenny‘s
    Place early records, a minute book detailing
    the early years of Jenny‘s life, the memories
    and word-pictures from one of[...]Domestic Violence NSW and
    her congratulations on Jenny‘s Place Women‘s
    Refuge reaching its 40th anniversary.

    Opening the gateway into Jenny‘s history
    proved an absolute delight with little
    vignettes from the minute book noting two
    of Jenny‘sJenny‘s Manager Marcia
    Chapman and Assistant Manager Jill[...]says
    with a selection of her sketches and many of
    Jenny‘s staff along with their clients, both
    past[...]
    [...]rt of a road enhancement plan that
    hadn‘t taken place 7 once rundown and filthy
    from disuse, now rente[...]h leadlight window
    panes and an ornate 1930s fireplace 7 a hard7
    fought7for house that was to become a haven,
    a place where women experiencing any form
    of domestic abu[...]and have time to
    think of possible life changes

    Jenny‘s Place, the first feminist women‘s refuge
    in t[...]ing shrill of two telephones
    constantly ringingr

    Jenny‘s Place 7 not named after any particular
    person 7 just a[...]comfort and ease for women coming into
    a refuge

    Jenny's Place - “The Birth of a Dream"
    Began Camepmm

    But let‘s go back, back to a time before Jenny‘s
    conception. to a time when the possibility[...]
    [...]or save for a rental
    bond, and also refer them to places where they
    can go to get help and money“

    Eva[...]that that of 50% of
    women‘s refuges“

    One of Jenny‘s foremothers, Wendy Couper.
    recalls those s[...]
    [...]e strong personalities‘i
    lntimidated or not, as Jenny‘s Place came closer
    to fruition Josephine collected. boug[...]met
    Women‘s Liberation philosophyt At all times
    Jenny‘s Place philosophy was the major centre
    of attention

    A N[...]s
    had been held in Melbourne some months
    prior to Jenny‘s Place openingr Eva. Jan, Cathy,
    Judy, Bev and Wendy wer[...]information
    gathering was worthwhile and finally Jenny‘s
    Place Women‘s Refuge was ready to open The
    gestation[...]police They
    had a lady with two little boys, knew Jenny‘s
    wasn‘t due to open until the next day, b[...]
    [...]onomic, personal and social rights
    for women

    The Jenny‘s Place Committee philosophy
    was clear7cut, deep7seated a[...]ed in courting the Sydney feminist
    refuges before Jenny‘s Place credentials were
    accepted and then years of atten[...]me and
    to convince the more militant refuges that
    Jenny‘s aims were neither old7fashioned nor
    moderate.‘[...]those eternal (infernal) meetingsi

    Naturally the Jenny‘s Place Committee and
    structure changed over the years, h[...]main 7 some
    still there, working and connected to Jenny‘s
    decades later?
    [...]oint in
    a woman’s life.

    Whatever the answers 7 Jenny’s Place has
    remained a steady and stalwart strengt[...]
    [...]er of feminist collectives
    chose to employ malest Jenny‘s Place was one
    and yes, they did receive censure from th[...]ctivist Chris Dodds
    worked as childcare worker at Jenny‘s for six
    years (197871984) prior to employm[...]
    [...]y one?
    third of the ‘bashings’ ever reported, Jenny’s
    Place made no apology for the need to strictly
    enforce[...]mprehend the seriousness of
    allowing knowledge of Jenny’s whereabouts
    to be bandied about town.

    From neces[...]the
    toilet, changed washers on leaking taps and
    replaced the damaged cistern: an electrician
    fixe[...]
    [...]ll women seeking admission
    were heterosexual

    16

    Jenny‘s Place was always aware of the
    existence of violence in[...]with
    the number of lesbian employees, reflecting
    Jenny‘s commitment to assist all women
    without prejudice[...]ators of violence toward either females
    or malesl Jenny‘s Place interview procedures
    are designed to estab[...]
    Teaming (Enabled

    Jenny‘s Place had indeed opened , but would the policies thrash[...]ealth issues had been accepted as
    residents since Jenny‘s opened in 1977. This
    situation placed greater stress on workers as
    well as other resid[...]improved and policies and
    procedures were set in place to allow decisions
    to be made on particula[...]
    O‘mmm" Weld

    From Jenny‘s earliest days focus on staff
    development and the[...]oon as they realised
    they couldn‘t fit in with Jenny‘s frameworkr

    Seminars, film and discussion sessions were
    held for the purpose of developing Jenny‘s
    Place as a whole and to enable new workers to
    be traine[...]ce of confidentiality with
    strong emphasis being placed on the trainee‘s
    ability to work with the resi[...]with policies for settling
    worker disputes put in place, and debates about
    issues rather than personal attacks

    Many of Jenny‘s workers stayed for an
    average of three yea[...]
    Several years after Jenny‘s Place had opened in
    1977, there came a point when it wa[...]ttee wanted to
    withdraw but there was noeone to replace
    themi A liaison position was established to
    deal[...]in worked for a while
    but one person couldn‘t replace all the women
    who had put their time in to make Jenny‘s
    Place runi More workerpositions were funded
    and eventua[...]necessary for a 12 month time gap between
    leaving Jenny‘s Place and taking part in the
    running of the Refuge This[...]e first These
    women became valuable additions to Jenny‘s
    by bringing a personal perspective of living
    in t[...]made a real commitment to
    continue as members of Jenny‘s Placer These
    were the women who became the mainstay
    and[...]rmal hierarchy of a
    committee structure

    In 2014. Jenny‘s Place was invited to put in
    an expression of interest t[...]nagement
    structure had to be formed immediatelyi

    Jenny‘sJenny‘s Place history All were grieving at the
    loss of t[...]
    [...]l health
    and community services, giving Jennv’s Place
    a strong Board which have led and guided the
    serv[...]in which that change was transitioned.

    Jennv’s Place was fortunate in the women
    who agreed to be on th[...]heir expertise and
    constant support 7 from all at Jenny’s Place 7
    Girl Power 7 we couldn’t do it without you!
    [...]every
    woman‘s refuge was finally achieved

    21

    Jenny‘s now had a funded position for a
    childcare worker[...]n of utilities, all costing
    approximately $3.500

    Jenny‘s Committee member, Chris Dodds,
    approached the New[...]t to the DSS
    Minister. Senator Guilfoyle. stating Jenny‘s
    Place would only agree to accept funding on a
    12[...]
    [...]he Children‘s Services grant was conditional
    on Jenny‘s Place advising the DSS of plans to
    become either a coop[...]r block of
    ground next to the childcare centre if Jenny‘s
    were interested Of course they were.‘ Council
    c[...]en in crisis and/
    or at risk

    From the opening of Jenny‘s Place, the needs of
    all children in women‘s re[...]te and
    Federal levels, Wendy‘s selection by the Jenny‘s
    Place Committee to participate in and focus on
    t[...]
    [...]pite from distress for both mothers
    and children

    Jenny‘s Place was growing , expanding ,
    confident in the directions taken.‘

    FROM CHILD CARE T0 CHILD SUPPORT
    Jenny‘s Place was fortunate to employ
    two extremely passionate,[...]ed and funding for child support
    remained intact

    Jenny‘s Place workers are mandated to
    report children who have[...]and can support them if they
    require assistance

    Jenny‘s initial Child Support Workers,
    Kristina and Kerri[...]lay and Jill Evans,
    women who are still a part of Jenny‘s Place
    today and who have continued to educate,
    [...]NSW Refuge
    Movement Working Party for many years

    Jenny‘s workers had two particularly inspiring
    role model[...]new Going Home Staying l—lome
    reforms, in 2014 Jenny‘s Place Child Support
    program is now more limited as they[...]rs This is due to funding
    levels and the need for placement of resources
    to meet demand for services, which means
    limited staff This is totally devastating as
    Jenny‘sworkers know the positive and healing
    affect their[...]n the children who
    came through the Refuge

    Since Jenny‘s opening in 1977, Wendy Couper
    had an immediate aw[...]scores of residents‘
    children have returned to Jenny‘s Place as
    teenagers, as young adults and as older adults[...]future years

    In 2017, the care and needs of the Jenny‘s Place
    children remain a primary focus for all staff
    [...]ents in some
    residents‘ daysr

    September 14th 7 Jenny‘s Place Women‘s
    Refuge opens 7 no fanfare of trumpets,[...]then after
    a year or so the novelty wore off and Jenny‘s
    Place became part of the scene, workers doing
    what they[...]Most of the Refuge‘s day7t07day activities took
    placeJenny‘s workers and residents could
    be overheard during i[...]t husband was
    nearby. literally ‘staking out‘ Jenny‘s Place,
    waiting for his wife to appearr

    lmmediate[...]
    [...]n 7 27/10/83
    7 to avoid vandalism, locks had been placed
    on the meter box and front gate of childcare
    bui[...]ld be given
    this yearr

    There were no rewards for Jenny‘sJenny‘s
    departure, suggesting a period of possible
    stabil[...]a rental property
    for the past 14 years

    In 1988 Jenny‘s Management Committee
    sold the childcare bu[...]
    [...]ral National Conference of
    Women‘s Refuges took place in Melbourne in
    l977 Nationwide, the number of re[...]lence was real 7 beyond doubt
    And it needed to be placed on all political
    agendas as soon as possible

    NS[...]t Bathurst in February
    l979i Representatives from Jenny‘s Place
    attended, reporting that more funding was
    needed[...]y State conferences were
    held in the Sydney areas Jenny‘s Place agreed
    to trial a conference in ‘country‘ New[...]between the country
    and Sydney refuges

    Three of Jenny‘s workers attended a conference
    held at Delvena Ref[...]through
    with information Elsie‘s Refuge adopted
    Jenny‘s Place as a buddy By this time, Elsie‘s
    workers had forgiven Jenny‘s staff for their
    conventional image back in 1977.‘

    lnDecemberitwasdecidedthateachofJenny‘s
    workers would attend at least one day of the
    1981[...]entral Coast areas Within a few years, apart
    from Jenny‘s Place, there were a number
    in the region meeting[...]nferences and regional
    meetings Records show that Jenny‘s workers
    were quite vocal at both regional[...]
    [...]mmon On occasion workers or ex?
    workers contacted Jenny‘s Place seeking their
    involvement in the disputes Request[...]on 12th
    September 1979 that “from now on, three
    Jenny‘s Place members would attend each
    regional meeting in fut[...]e on the waterfront at Ettalong and
    offered it to Jenny‘s Place should any ex?
    resident be in need of a holiday[...]ted and remain passionate
    to the cause

    As one of Jenny‘s past workers summarised,
    “There were man[...]
    [...]f services for
    homeless people

    In 2014 Jennv‘s Place applied for the
    opportunity to be included in the[...]for
    the residents during school termsr

    Jennv‘s Place Inc is committed to breaking
    the cycles of[...]
    of Ger/15am Mom

    The original aim of Jenny‘s Place was to
    provide a safe place for those experiencing
    domestic violence and thei[...]numbers were just another
    of the many challenges Jenny‘s Committee
    encountered on opening

    Referrals were coming to Jenny‘s Place from
    Newcastle Psychiatric Centre (commonly
    known[...]tated the agencies‘ social
    workers meeting with Jenny‘s management
    to clarify direct/indirect referrals a[...]een
    removed from these institutions

    By mid7l981. Jenny‘s workers were meeting
    for talks with psychiatric n[...]ond Report on women‘s services

    Rosemary became Jenny‘s most important
    contact when residents were unknow[...]et the knockeon
    effect from the Richmond Reporti

    Jenny‘s PlaceJenny‘s Place was no longer
    accepting referrals for wome[...]
    [...]of single women residents over a
    lengthy period. Jenny‘s Committee called a
    special meeting to look at the Refuge‘s options
    to deal with the associated stress placed on
    workers and the women with children who
    were[...]he NDlSwas launched in the Hunter in 2013‘
    It replaces the old system of ‘block‘ funds
    going[...]
    [...]Richmond Report era has, in recent years,
    been replaced with inclusive alternatives such
    as ‘a mental[...]t care. has been demolished

    34

    Rosemary Ramsey, Jenny‘s Place ‘rock‘ during
    the l980s, described “[...]
    [...]lnner city Newcastle was fortunate In 2014
    when Jenny‘s Place won the tender to provide
    Specialist l—l[...]
    [...]ival

    Elizabeth Milenkov and Sandra Stackman from
    Jenny‘s Place Committee attended the monthly
    Working Party meet[...]dedicated to the employment of
    Aboriginal womenr

    Jenny‘s Place submission for the position of an
    ethnic worker was approved and in September
    1984 Teresa Moskal joined Jenny‘s team as
    the first NoneEnglish Speaking Backgroun[...]ouncil of Immigration and
    Multicultural Affairs replaced the term NESB
    with CALD in 1996‘ The previous[...]wcastle areas in emergency
    situations Teresa left Jenny‘s Place in 1988 to
    become a District Officer with the De[...]hildcare
    worker in 1989‘ In 2017 Rose is one of Jenny‘s
    longest serving employees and is currently
    the team leader for both Jenny‘s Place
    Refuges. training new workers, carrying out
    worke[...]he teami

    Rose recalls her early training days at Jenny‘s
    as a period of “total awe" at the equality and[...]pened to the woman he married

    Beryl Searl joined Jenny‘s Place in 1986 as the
    first lndigenousworker and rememb[...]ilding
    Tiffany Munroe joined the group in 1990 as
    Jenny‘s second lndigenous workeri She left
    after two year[...]epartment of Social Security

    Beryl moved on from Jenny‘s in 1993 to
    join another women‘s refuge in the L[...]r ‘feelings‘ in during
    her training period at Jenny‘s in 1986‘
    [...]igenous and CALD services
    who work with Jennv’s Place to provide
    wraparound case management to m[...]
    [...]ded in with the
    abuser‘s cunning by managing to place the
    blame for the violence on the victimi

    Decade[...]forged with
    work colleagues who know exactly what
    Jenny‘s Place is about
    Every woman and child who walks into
    Jenny‘s is special: their lives are unique and
    never forg[...]dows and conducted inventories for

    repairs and replacements during the annual
    June breaki

    Doreen will always be remembered as Jenny‘s
    special ‘house mother‘i

    To many, Jenny‘s Place becomes a little
    nest where women can curl[...]
    Wmmedlauae

    September 1977 7 Jenny‘s Refuge opened with
    positive philosophies Values t[...]on was the order
    of the day No judgement would be placed on
    women‘s differing standards of living unles[...]xceptionally stormy Committee meeting

    lnitially, Jenny‘s was staffed by volunteers,
    working seven days per[...]the Refuge The blacklist
    book had evolved during Jenny‘s early years
    when it was realised by some residents
    that rules were made to be broken, which
    sometimes placed other people at risk

    It became procedure for wo[...]xt morning

    Many of the younger women who came to
    Jenny‘s were entirely aloner They‘d come
    from harrowing[...]hips when they met
    other young mothers staying at Jenny‘s with
    similar personal historiesr

    By the late l980s little girls who had come to
    Jenny‘s with their mothers as children were
    now re[...]
    [...]re were some women who actually
    wanted to live at Jenny‘s for evermorei

    There were women whose parents wou[...]their daughters
    actually did die in

    For others. Jenny‘s was their favourite place
    to stay as they moved from refuge to refuge
    witho[...]ce. Lifeline and other agencies
    were advised that Jenny‘s was closing for two
    weeks Workers met dail[...]
    [...]to put the feet up knowing
    for a brief few hours Jenny‘s Place was
    actually enjoying a short period of orderi

    J[...]ing A huge grey pantechnicon
    occupies the bulk of Jenny‘s front yard
    There‘s another slightly smaller cre[...]niture
    and bedding in and out It‘s repair and
    replacement time There‘s no time to chat

    If the[...]
    [...]e knowledge that by the following

    43



    weekend Jenny’s Place will be back in
    business and there will on[...]
    [...]w the women to fill in an application form
    unless Jenny‘s workers argued with them on
    the grounds of discri[...]oor through which
    residents continually rotatedi

    Jenny‘s Committee, after only a year of
    operation, wrote[...]cts
    of accommodation Several years prior to
    this, Jenny‘s Committee had written to
    Newcastle City Co[...]
    [...]ed with
    significant leadership skills along with Jenny‘s
    Place former childcare worker Chris Dodds,
    who became company secretaryt

    Newmacq offered opportunities for Jenny‘s
    clients on the public housing waiting list[...]
    [...]affordable accommodation in
    the private market.

    Jenny’s Place continues to refer clients to
    Compass depending o[...]r lack there off) is still
    an ongoing problem and Jenny’s Place, along
    with all Specialist Homeless Service[...]
    WW 8% (AND A BABY OF HER OWN)

    From the outset Jenny‘s Group were deeply
    concerned about their residents[...]r financial assets nor strong
    support systems in place Most feel inadequate
    and anxious , will they be a[...]t to medium
    term housing for up to twelve months

    Jenny‘s Committee resolved to seek more
    information and i[...]engthy discussions at their
    July general meeting, Jenny‘s Place made
    an application and as they were the only
    int[...]area This was to be a project
    in accordance with Jenny‘s philosophy to
    provide short to medium term accomm[...]ncies would be accepted

    A further meeting of all Jenny‘s members
    was held on 28th October at the childcare[...]iewi Management was to include three
    members from Jenny‘s Place plus two
    community representatives Tracey[...]
    [...]tee had
    also been formed with Ruth Bamford as the
    Jenny‘s Place representative

    The project officially opened on[...]ty Programmes Officer in 1978
    and beneficial in Jenny‘s obtaining their first
    funding grant, was among t[...]of a new management committee

    Wendy Couper left Jenny‘s Place to take up
    the second fulltime position with another of
    Jenny‘s workers, Kerry Patterson, leaving
    to join the Hal[...]e of the former
    Newcastle East police station

    At Jenny‘s Place 30th anniversary celebration
    in 2007, Wendy Coupe[...]XPrefuge worker, the management
    committee was the Jenny‘s PlaceJenny‘s PlaceJenny‘s Place initiated the
    Newcastle Domestic Violence Resourc[...]iolence
    in the Newcastle and surrounding regions

    Jenny‘s Place unfunded Resource Centre is
    located in New[...]
    [...]nt writs because police did not respond
    to themi

    Jenny‘s Place member Wendy Couper
    represented country re[...]
    [...]ny of the other bureaucracies

    In September 1983, Jenny‘s staff correlated
    information on reactions by magi[...]ntly
    having difficulties with the new AVO lawsi

    Jenny‘s earliest records reveal the Committee
    actually ha[...]he public in general if
    requested This occasioned Jenny‘s Committee
    members to say “It‘s time to visit[...]very long way since the l970si The reforms
    put in place have significantly improved police
    response and[...]stic Violence
    Court Assistance Scheme (DVCAS) and
    Jenny‘s Place began in 2005 where all services
    provided[...]
    [...]Action Meetings (SAMs)
    whereby the police. DVCAS, Jenny‘s Place and
    other support services meet fortnightl[...]
    [...]In those early years the principal organisations Jenny‘s Place interacted with, apart from the
    local police forc[...]women at
    relieve anXiety in 1970s and 1980s were Jenny‘s Place were either on a pension or in
    Valium, Seraan and[...]ist of

    name changes, changeebacks and reechanges
    Jenny‘s Place workers were part of a Drug for the Department of[...]te professionals

    In the decade from 1977 to 1987 Jenny‘s Place
    Elderly Dr, Walkom was the Refuge‘s doct[...]
    Jenny‘s clients had a generational dislike of
    the ‘Welf[...]avelling too well‘i

    Women and children came to Jenny‘s Place
    primarily because they weren‘t ‘travelling to[...]k for checks to be made at the
    women‘s refuges

    Jenny‘s Place had a policy of strict
    confidentialityt Over tim[...]ing with
    other workers‘i

    The legal position of Jenny‘s workers and
    the Management Committee wasn‘t cle[...]t, thus
    confirming the woman was in residence at
    Jenny‘s Workers were given no guarantees
    that this[...]
    Jenny‘s workers and their residents deserved
    letters of gratitude

    Department of Sodal Security , Jenny‘s
    Committee often met with the Department‘s
    Newca[...]slowly but with determination
    and persistence as Jenny‘s Place workers,
    along with their sisters in other refuge[...]desk, on the ‘right‘ side of welfare

    Today, Jenny‘s persistence in initiating the
    education and aware[...]eracted with during
    the past four decades

    Today, Jenny‘s Place is proud of their
    achievements in establis[...]
    [...]ble to several feminist women‘s
    groups in 1975, Jenny‘s Place didn‘t receive
    funding until late in 1978, almo[...]ly remembered as a
    beneficial force in assisting Jenny‘s in the next
    step , funding for one partitime posi[...]July 1979 there was an increase in funding
    giving Jenny‘s Place salaries for 3 or 35 fulltime
    positions with the[...]nt policies guaranteeing many a
    sleepless nightr

    Jenny‘s submission in early 1980 requested
    funding for 3[...]llow’up work
    with residents after they‘d left Jenny‘s Place

    In August 1980 representatives from all
    r[...]
    [...]in
    refuges through their Office of Child Carer

    Jenny‘s Place met with YACS regional
    director in June 1982 to d[...]cyi Refuge
    representatives including members from
    Jenny‘s Place formed the “Dumping Welfare“
    Working Party fo[...]all refuges were in a position
    to strike, four of Jenny‘s workers (Janne,
    Chris, Wendy and Lisa) formed a c[...]ited under the
    Specialist l—lomelessness Reform Jenny‘s Place
    workers were determined to do everything
    possible[...]erelict house almost 40 years previously

    Four of Jenny‘s core workers had totted
    up an accumulative service history of close
    to one hundred years Jill had been with
    Jenny‘s since the Phoebe Street days, Marcia
    and Rose joined the team not long after
    the move to the purposeibuilt Jenny‘s in 1989
    and Pam came in 2004‘
    [...]e women and their children who‘d
    made Jennv‘s Place their home for a short
    desperate period in their[...]of the other major
    tendering concerns 7 Jennv‘s Place would be
    no more 7 absorbed by another bidder who[...]ough. the tough get goingl.‘

    In 2014 Jennv‘s Place was successful in
    retaining their Women and Child[...]to continue

    During the last few years, Jennv‘s Place
    has been very fortunate in establishing a
    great r[...]ul recently with the
    company supporting Jennv‘s Place Resource
    Centre with $80,000 per annum over the
    n[...]The Port Waratah Coal Services grant has
    allowed Jenny‘s Place to employ extra staff
    to be able to meet the dema[...]mmunity business
    partnerships to assist Jennv‘s Place to
    continue to fund and run the Resource
    C[...]
    Jenny’s Place service
    are hopeful of and working toward getting[...]ith the philosophy
    of old entrenched in her womb, Jenny’s Place

    61



    is again bearing new offspring who[...]
    [...]the Vietnam
    War and the burning of draft cardsi

    Jenny‘s Place founding foremothers hadn‘t
    necessarily burnt b[...]paralysed by unjust and terrifying
    circumstancesi Jenny‘s feminist founders had
    begun a journey, a resolute[...]ew months before the Refuge‘s
    opening, five of Jenny‘s feminist foremothers
    (Eva, Jan. Judy, Bev[...]
    [...]lian domestic violence sector since
    l978. visited Jenny‘s Place in the early l980s
    regarding the Refuge‘[...]
    [...]Febomb, used as an expletive infix and
    properly placed in the middle of a word had
    the power to add emp[...]society, its likelihood ofbeing
    used in the work place increasedi

    It was a word that could be co[...]
    [...]hat time

    Thesinglewomanunderstoodthesituationand
    Jenny‘s Committee paid hotel accommodation
    along with dai[...]dgings At a later
    stage, this woman did return to Jenny‘s Place
    where one of the workers taught her how
    to apply[...]he‘d been awarded
    from the property settlementi Jenny‘s workers
    attempted to redress the situation withou[...]ool

    The woman with two little kids who‘d given
    Jenny‘s address to her husband and then
    bemoaned the fact[...]phoning the
    Refuge every half hour, the resident (Jenny‘s
    ‘brand new de facto worker‘) assured t[...]
    [...]i After
    recovery and as a last resort she came to
    Jenny‘s with her small son as she couldn‘t
    return to th[...]members.‘

    68

    On many occasions in past years, Jenny‘s
    workers have driven a resident to the home
    she‘[...]es and chatted
    to one another while they directed Jenny‘s
    Place staff to carry out the heavy luggage and
    at the same time deal with the resident‘s irate
    former partnerr

    Jenny‘s workers realise how ridiculous those
    circumstance[...]ndaries. that
    the child support centre was a safe place and
    that if he continued to misbehave he would
    ha[...]next day to try again After an eight
    week stay at Jenny‘s, the family were ready
    to move to their ow[...]
    [...]rkers to drive the
    vehicle belonging to Jennv‘s Place to a section
    on Newcastle Wharf where it c[...]
    [...]t together become a minuscule
    peep into the world Jenny’s Place
    workers have known since 1977.

    When Jenny‘s Place first opened, the workers
    were elated as they wa[...]were able to buy ordinary
    everyday things

    Today, Jenny‘s Place workers still feel that
    same contentment as they[...]alked of their experiences, match the
    memories of Jenny‘s workers of today

    They too have fond memor[...]
    [...]ur head has
    made you delirious

    72

    Those kind of placeplace where you could go?
    Oh dear what a dilemma I trul[...]makes me quite weary

    I really must go now I ’veplaces to be

    And right at the moment you’re n[...]
    [...]A gentle smile did cross my face

    As I remembered Jenny’s Place

    From humble beginnings we had begun
    Saddened day[...]guidance solace and grace

    All these are given at Jenny’s Placel

    Written with much love and admiration fo[...]
    From inception those involved in Jenny‘s
    Place Committee gave generously of their
    time, energy a[...]ntered in running a women‘s refuge
    and the ways Jenny‘s PlaceJenny‘s Place not only gave generously and
    tirelessly of their[...]shings carpet and linoleumi
    The Grain Silos Board placed a levy on
    workers‘ pay packets to enable groceries and
    meat to be purchased prior to Jenny‘s Place
    receiving funding

    In 1979 alone, the local Girl[...]at the Refuge in the previous year
    and then gave Jenny‘s a donation from
    their Year of the Child Activitie[...]te paths at the Phoebe Street premises,
    assisting Jenny‘s Place move to their new
    [...]ghts to Freedom
    from Violence and participator in Jenny‘s
    Place early formation, remained connected
    to the Refuge until her death at the age of 87‘
    In July 2007, three of Jenny‘s staff members
    attended her funeral with one member reading
    a eulogyi Josie was remembered as being a
    part of Jenny‘s, popping into the Refuge every
    few months for cof[...]or paintings she‘d bought as
    gifts to brighten Jenny‘s wallsi

    Four decades since opening Jenny‘s Place is
    still benefiting from the largesse of communi[...]ols and service clubs
    in the area

    Each member of Jenny‘s PlaceJenny‘s Place
    won the tender in 2014 to provide Specialist
    Dome[...]many
    who give throughout each and every year
    that Jenny‘s Place is able to achieve countless
    positive outcomes in[...]ongoing
    financial assistance and backing so that
    Jenny‘s Place can continue to support women
    and children experi[...]aul Burchell from Warners
    Bay Rotary Club offered Jenny‘s the use of
    a shopefront. at no cost, in a vacant[...]nd
    Easter giftepacksi High schools have requested
    Jenny‘s staff as guest speakers and have in
    turn raised f[...]the Country
    Women‘s Association have supported Jenny‘s
    since 2007 with annual monetary donations,[...]
    [...]s, and has most recently set up a charity
    whereby Jenny‘s Place and other services
    can apply on behalf of residen[...]new safe
    homes The organisation communicate with
    Jenny‘s Place staff to establish the needs
    and then members of[...]o support women and children and
    have been aiding Jenny‘sJenny‘s Place and
    Warlga Ngurra Refuges just before Christmas
    t[...]construction company was extremely
    supportive of Jenny‘s Place and gave a
    generous grant in financial assistanc[...]cal support to the
    women and children residing at Jenny‘s
    services with gift vouchers at Christmas.
    monetar[...]oal Services have built a strong
    partnership with Jenny‘s Place, beginning
    with the Kooragang and Carringt[...]fe homes
    Port Waratah then financially sponsored
    Jenny‘s Outreach Team with their “Keys
    to Change Progra[...]magnets advertising the Outreach
    support service Jenny‘s team provider More
    recently Port Waratah deepened their pockets
    and offered support to Jenny‘s Place Domestic
    Violence Resource Centre with $80[...]
    [...]y‘s School
    of Architecture. contacted Jennv‘s Place
    with a group of women architects, builders,
    desig[...]time and fundraising finances
    for resources to replace play equipment and
    lay soft fall as they reconstr[...]o include play and leisure areas at the
    Jennv‘s Place familv refuge

    They also contacted Bev Eidler from Classic
    Blinds and Shutters who came out and
    replaced all the window coverings throughout
    the family r[...]other big thank you goes to Ean Sutton,
    Jennv‘s Place volunteer maintenance
    handvmani Ean hasn‘t stop[...]ted

    77

    Lastlv, but by no means least, Jennv‘s Place
    want to say a huge thank you to the partners.
    fri[...]o went above and
    beyond any expectation Jennv‘s Place may
    have had
    [...]i

    Not7for7profit and communitv7based: Jennv‘s
    Place work alongside many government and
    non7government[...]s in Newcastle and
    surrounding regions

    Jennv‘s Place‘s list of achievements since her
    conception are[...]children in the district
    (Appendix B)

    Jennv‘s Place 7 forty years later 7 the dream
    has blosso[...]
    [...]ammittee I v:
    w. MB one: men

    011 babel! cf the Jenny‘s Place C
    n has done ior

    appreciation vi what. the sauna[...]hy Tate.
    (Scurctary)

    Dear Ms Cannon,

    JENNY’
    5 PLACE WOMEN AND CHILSREN’S REFUGE - 13 PHOEBE ST AND[...]CO IVG SatIOI whale you advsed ti 3‘ the J8 IVS Place CO rrlttee was fly 9 t0
    dale ll 3 a date[...]
    [...]A Woman‘s Refuge, as veil as providing a safe place,

    '5 Refuges as of primary

    was attempting[...]
    fin
    ae the Q3 day-3E Walf way.

    This Dzed ma
    JW'S PLACE macaw (”Jenny‘a") of the first pan:

    BETWEEN:[...]OUECIL ("Council") of the Second part
    WHEREAS:
    a. Jenny's is a “omens Retuge.
    h. Jznny‘s has a building[...]sale of the said
    remafter discluaad.

    building by Jenny‘s to Council. on the term he

    To The Town Cl[...]
    APPENDIX A
    JENNY’S PLACE 1977 - 2017 Most Significant Achievements

    Our W[...]support, case management, referral
    and advocacy

    Jenny‘s Place has always been proactive at identifying and fil[...]al refuger

    0 Successful lobbying for funding for Jenny‘s Place Refuger

    0 Being a part of the Women‘s Refuge M[...]nonigovernment services required by DV clients

    0 Jenny‘s Place workers as members of the Child Support Wo[...]
    [...]ent assemblies in Newcastle,
    Sydney and Canberra

    Jenny‘s Place was one of the representatives on the Women‘s R[...]fuges auspiced by the Women‘s
    Refuge Movementi

    Jenny‘s Place was part of a group that established the Newcastl[...]he Newcastle Community for approximately
    10 years Jenny‘s Place took up positions of Secretary and Chairperson for this committee

    Jenny‘s Place with other local regional refuges established the[...]and the
    effects of Domestic Violence on Children

    Jenny‘s Place workers were part of a regional group of child su[...]ative workshops at NSW Child Support Conferences

    Jenny‘s Place along with other community services established t[...]onditions and services for those
    experiencing DVi Jenny‘s Place continues to be a part of this committee and has auspiced
    this committee for many years

    Jenny‘s Place along with the Area Domestic Violence Police Coor[...]dentst Policies and procedures were
    developed and Jenny‘s Place worked out of the Waratah police station one day a week
    Establishment of the Jenny‘s Place Newcastle Domestic Violence Information an[...]
    [...]blished so that people experiencing DV
    had a safe place to go to get the specialist support, information,[...]ld fund raisers to support
    this valuable service

    Jenny‘s Place partneredwith the Domestic Violence Court Support[...]ded Violence Orders This support continues today

    Jenny‘s Place was part of a coordination group for a 3 year pro[...]that
    assisted many women over the 3 year period

    Jenny‘s Place represented Newcastle DV services on the Newcastl[...]rrective Services, Disabilities, Centrelink etcr

    Jenny‘s Place won a grant in 2011 to provide Domestic Violence[...]munity groups, neighbourhood centres etc

    In 2014 Jenny‘s Place won the tender to provide Specialist l—lomeless[...]s support to women and children in
    the community

    Jenny‘s Place increased their staff to accommodate the addition[...]source Centre from community donationsr
    To enable Jenny‘s Place to provide Transitional Accommodation to single w[...]tes 10 women

    In partnership with Wesley Mission, Jenny‘s Place provides a women‘s support luncheon
    from[...]
    Jenny‘s Place provides assertive outreach support, information[...]afe for clients who have identified state debti

    Jenny‘s Place established a partnership with l—lomeless Perso[...]nd Mead Solicitors and l—lickson‘s Law Pirmi

    Jenny‘s Place continue to be a strong part of the Hunter Commun[...]lankets. haircuts, free birth certificates etci

    Jenny‘s Place Outreach Team provide support, information, advoc[...]e along with numerous community service partners

    Jenny‘s Place in 2016 established a partnership with the Depart[...]ousing Department in Newcastle on a weekly basis

    Jenny‘s Place along with other Women‘s services from Newcastl[...]l—lomeless Action
    Plan) funds received by PACST Jenny‘s Place continues to provide a 24 hour DV support
    service which it has done for at least 35 years

    Jenny‘s Place held a World Cafe Style Day in 2016 where all ser[...]ers from many services
    including six workers from Jenny‘s Place made contact with l—lomeless people for three
    c[...]ow housed and
    receiving the support they require

    Jenny‘s Place has established numerous referral partnerships an[...]stle Council
    l—lomeless lnteragency Group etci

    Jenny‘s Place continues to be supported by the Newcastle and su[...]ly in our community It is this support that makes
    Jenny‘s Place the successful service that it is today Th[...]
    APPENDIX B
    Jenny’s Place Women’s Domestic Violence and Homeless Services[...]96289
    and press option 1 or email referrals@jennysplace:org

    The following Sl—lS services are provided[...]Reform
    (Gl—lSl—l) from October 2014

    Service: Jenny's Place Women & Children’s Supported Crisis Refuge
    Targ[...]iving/Coping Skills Post Crisis Support

    Service: Jenny's Place Supported Single Women's Crisis Refuge
    Tar[...]
    Service: Jenny's Place Outreach Program

    Target Group: Women and Childre[...]hone: 02 4926289 option 1

    Email: referrals@jennysplaceorg

    Support provided: Client focused CoiCase Mana[...]nd assistance to complete documentation

    Service: Jenny's Place Transitional Supported Housing Program
    Target Gro[...]hone: 02 4926289 option 1

    Email: referrals@jennysplaceorg

    Support provided: Transitional supported acco[...]re is not funded under the SHS program:

    Service: Jenny's Place Domestic Violence & Resource Centre

    Targe[...]
    [...]aled/news7story/d1647a8e9bb98d61839e9cbac893f9e7

    Jenny‘s Place 7 a welcome refuge. Newcastle Morning Hera[...]

    TXT

    [...]Dream
    Jenny’s Place Women & Children’s Refuge Newcastle
    Proudly spo[...]Jenny’s Place Women & Children’s Refuge Newcastle[...]Foreword by Marcia Chapman (Manager Jenny’s Place Inc.)
    [...]definitely leave approach to telling the Jenny’s Place story.
    some out and would hate to do that, but[...]each chapter reflecting on Jenny’s Place
    These women are all so passionate[...]of Jenny’s Place.
    I truly cannot think of better person to write
    the unique and inspiring story of Jenny’s Thank you.
    Place Incorporated 40 year history, than
    Suzie Romani.[...]the insight and knowledge needed to put Jenny’s Place Inc.
    this booklet together.[...]
    [...]Dedication
    JENNY’S PLACE - THE BIRTH OF A DREAM

    Domestic violence is not[...]c violence is a disorder that knows no boundary.

    Jenny’s Place “The Birth of a Dream” is about women. Women[...]at shaky, certainty. These are the women who left Jenny’s at midnight
    only to be called back at three in th[...]here today, fiercely loyal and determined to keep Jenny’s PlaceJENNY’S PLACE – THE BIRTH OF A DREAM

    Dedicated to all touched by Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge[...]
    [...]29
    11. A Call for Compassion (The Richmond Report/Jenny’s ‘rock’ Rosemary Ramsey) ...... 32
    12. Opening[...]...................................... 35
    13. Our Place – a Warm Safe Space (the Refuge and the[...]
    [...]ge’s history Opening the gateway into Jenny’s history
    for the 40th anniversary celebration was[...]writer; this should take a few weeks of Jenny’s Committee members had “offered”
    and cover no[...]long-gone
    Wrong. To do justice to the history of Jenny’s
    Newcastle Stadium in order to raise much
    Place Women’s Refuge, to chronicle the rites[...]with the Phoebe Street neighbours were
    Jenny’s Place to life, the scores of women[...]lind alley before I discovered
    the first years of Jenny’s life. Feminise, not[...]Nevertheless, Jenny’s Manager Marcia
    illustrate Jenny’s growth over four decades[...]ts related services.
    unknown armed with copies of Jenny’s
    Ninety percent of successful writing is
    Place early records, a minute book detailing[...]n editing. I was privileged to
    the early years of Jenny’s life, the memories[...]Jenny’s staff along with their clients, both
    Catchfire Pr[...]support and consensus and
    her congratulations on Jenny’s Place Women’s the backing of a solid[...]
    [...]s suburb of Newcastle hadn’t taken place – once rundown and filthy
    – black and white t[...]ead bowed, panes and an ornate 1930s fireplace – a hard-
    weeping, attempting to speak between[...]a place where women experiencing any form
    Another woman n[...]ed-in back verandah that has recently Jenny’s Place, the first feminist women’s refuge
    been[...]first of hundreds of women, most with Jenny’s Place – not named after any particular
    dependent offs[...]Jenny’s Place - “The Birth of a Dream”
    A house with[...]
    [...]eption
    But let’s go back, back to a time before Jenny’s armed with shovels and broomsticks[...]
    [...]rovide bond, and also refer them to places where they
    emergency crisis accommodation for wo[...]men’s Electoral Lobby (WEL) One of Jenny’s foremothers, Wendy Couper,
    were invited to[...]
    [...]o gathering was worthwhile and finally Jenny’s
    the plight of women in domestic violence. This Place Women’s Refuge was ready to open. The
    group was[...]ies”. of secrecy.
    Intimidated or not, as Jenny’s Place came closer
    to fruition Josephine collected, boug[...]had a lady with two little boys, knew Jenny’s[...]met
    Women’s Liberation philosophy. At all times
    Jenny’s Place philosophy was the major centre
    of attention.

    A[...]s
    had been held in Melbourne some months
    prior to Jenny’s Place opening. Eva, Jan, Cathy,
    Judy, Bev and We[...]
    [...]It’s one of sheer hard work, willpower,
    The Jenny’s Place Committee philosophy resilience,[...]travel to conferences, both State
    refuges before Jenny’s Place credentials were and Regional, protest m[...]Mountains of unpaid hours spent involved
    Jenny’s aims were neither old-fashioned nor wi[...]community lives. Some Naturally the Jenny’s Place Committee and
    members were nurses and teachers, s[...]still there, working and connected to Jenny’s
    for, listened to, empathised, counselled a[...]
    [...]Whatever the answers - Jenny’s Place has
    Maybe it’s as simple as having been[...]
    [...]chose to employ males. Jenny’s Place was one[...]en’s worked as childcare worker at Jenny’s for six
    refuge should be run by women for[...]
    [...]me’ and allowing knowledge of Jenny’s whereabouts
    6.00 o’clock closing during the yea[...]ge’s
    third of the ‘bashings’ ever reported, Jenny’s front door. Apart from the local general
    Place made no apology for the need to strictly[...]ut the Refuge’s address or phone replaced the damaged cistern; an electrician
    numbe[...]
    [...]idn’t last long as the kiddies shook, Jenny’s Place was always aware of the
    rattled, kicked and climb[...]husbands and partners occasionally Jenny’s commitment to assist all women
    assisted with emer[...]all that a desperate woman or males. Jenny’s Place interview procedures
    and her children were[...]
    Teething Troubles
    Jenny’s Place had indeed opened – but would the policies thra[...]w. Traumatised procedures were set in place to allow decisions
    children needed a support work[...]grey’ areas had been identified
    residents since Jenny’s opened in 1977. This although not completely resolved.
    situation placed greater stress on workers as
    well as othe[...]
    Training Wheels
    From Jenny’s earliest days focus on staff As fund[...]resolution skills and
    they couldn’t fit in with Jenny’s framework. grievance procedures were in[...]n sessions were worker disputes put in place, and debates about
    held for the purpose of developing Jenny’s issues rather than personal attacks.
    Place as a whole and to enable new workers to
    be trained effectively. Training manuals were Many of Jenny’s workers stayed for an
    designed detailing the phil[...]nce of confidentiality with
    strong emphasis being placed on the trainee’s In 2017, ther[...]
    Several years after Jenny’s Place had opened in of any final decision-makin[...]hierarchy of a
    withdraw but there was no-one to replace committee structure.
    them. A liais[...]utside contacts, maintenance, In 2014, Jenny’s Place was invited to put in
    follow-up of residents and[...]ing package. However,
    but one person couldn’t replace all the women they were advised a Collective formation was
    who had put their time in to make Jenny’s unacceptable; consequently a Management
    Place run. More worker positions were funded[...]ng) decided to move to a worker-run Jenny’s staff had enjoyed working as a
    Collective and tho[...]policies and procedures, but now there
    leaving Jenny’s Place and taking part in the was an instanta[...]e first. These
    women became valuable additions to Jenny’s This was one of the most traumatic p[...]nging a personal perspective of living Jenny’s Place history. All were grieving at the
    in the Refuge a[...]d the Manager’s position
    continue as members of Jenny’s Place. These (although Marcia still m[...]
    [...]al commitment to continue as
    members of Jenny’s Place. These were the women
    who bec[...]range constant support - from all at Jenny’s Place -
    of areas such as finance, welfare, drug and[...]gal, mental health
    and community services, giving Jenny’s Place
    a strong Board which have led and guided the
    serv[...]r
    the way in which that change was transitioned.

    Jenny’s Place was fortunate in the women
    who agreed to b[...]
    [...]school holidays or any time of the year Jenny’s now had a funded position for a
    and a three bedro[...]ed children – they needed a support Jenny’s Committee member, Chris Dodds,
    worker of their ow[...]n Minister, Senator Guilfoyle, stating Jenny’s
    Canberra lobbying the Federal Government, a Place would only agree to accept funding on a
    su[...]
    [...]grant was conditional women refuges.
    on Jenny’s Place advising the DSS of plans to
    become either a co-o[...]From the opening of Jenny’s Place, the needs of
    The Properties Section at Ne[...]foremother
    ground next to the childcare centre if Jenny’s Wendy Couper.
    were interested. Of course[...]Federal levels, Wendy’s selection by the Jenny’s
    play equipment to be erected in the childcare Place Committee to participate in and focus on
    y[...]
    [...]These children had left behind their homes,
    Jenny’s Place was growing – expanding – thei[...]nightmares, their regressive behaviours and
    Jenny’s Place was fortunate to employ the aggr[...]ina Roberts and Kerrie Page set up Jenny’s Place workers are mandated to
    a wonderful child support[...]g for children 0-5 years of age in public Jenny’s initial Child Support Workers,
    childcare centres.[...]women who are still a part of Jenny’s Place[...]
    [...]rkers children have returned to Jenny’s Place as
    to the refuge movement. Jill represented[...]talk fondly of their experience at the Refuge
    Jenny’s workers had two particularly inspiring a[...]orking and playing with them and
    reforms, in 2014 Jenny’s Place Child Support they’ve shed the tears[...]y In 2017, the care and needs of the Jenny’s Place
    generalist case workers. This is due to funding[...]mary focus for all staff.
    levels and the need for placement of resources
    to meet demand for services, which means
    limited staff. This is totally devastating as
    Jenny’s workers know the positive and healing
    affect thei[...]the children who
    came through the Refuge.

    Since Jenny’s opening in 1977, Wendy Couper
    had an immed[...]
    [...]– working class families with two place in the day-room. Its window faced one
    to three ki[...]owers – the high pitched blast bath. Jenny’s workers and residents could
    of nearby BHP’s fou[...]many occasions when the day-room
    September 14th - Jenny’s Place Women’s window needed to be ke[...]ccidentally
    a year or so the novelty wore off and Jenny’s tossed over the fence - he complained. During
    Place became part of the scene, workers doing[...]or nearby, literally ‘staking out’ Jenny’s Place,
    more unusual happenings.[...]
    [...]was last sold in l994 – six years after Jenny’s
    rear fence, then after a waiting period at one[...]uelling actuality of confronting In 1988 Jenny’s Management Committee
    abuse on a daily basis, many[...]– to avoid vandalism, locks had been placed There may be less rage in 2017 and a[...]se continues along with
    There were no rewards for Jenny’s naughty the unremitting sear[...]
    [...]The inaugural National Conference of Jenny’s Place as a buddy. By this time, Elsie’s
    Women’s Refuges took place in Melbourne in workers had forgiven Jenny’s staff for their
    l977. Nationwide, the number of r[...]In December it was decided that each of Jenny’s
    Domestic violence was real - beyond doubt.[...]ttend at least one day of the
    And it needed to be placed on all political 1981 National Confer[...]op level as this would
    l979. Representatives from Jenny’s Place have kept the issue separate from t[...]ll but a few refuges. Based on equal from Jenny’s Place, there were a number
    representation and en[...]Sydney in 1986 to both
    held in the Sydney areas. Jenny’s Place agreed support and resource the Working P[...]rk colleagues. They were also women with
    Three of Jenny’s workers attended a conference differing i[...]uge areas. The meetings. Records show that Jenny’s workers
    group was to use the media to make[...]
    [...]od wives and mothers. Bias both
    workers contacted Jenny’s Place seeking their toward and against dif[...]faster, stay dedicated and remain passionate
    Jenny’s Place members would attend each to t[...]ound”. As one of Jenny’s past workers summarised,[...]e on the waterfront at Ettalong and
    offered it to Jenny’s Place should any ex- The peak bo[...]
    [...]St Vincent de Paul) are now the main Jenny’s Place Inc. is committed to breaking
    non-government prov[...]and homelessness.

    In 2014 Jenny’s Place applied for the
    opportunity to be included[...]
    A Call for Compassion
    The original aim of Jenny’s Place was to provide counselling and social support for
    provide a safe place for those experiencing those affected a[...]d support services and By mid-l981, Jenny’s workers were meeting
    community living for people[...]lised hospital care and Rosemary became Jenny’s most important
    community care in mental health se[...]consequences of the previous two decades Jenny’s Place appeared to be slowly changing.
    reductions in bed[...]ing a ‘psychiatric half-
    of the many challenges Jenny’s Committee way house’ or ‘a hoste[...]ing. September 1983 Jenny’s Place was no longer[...]s for women who had been
    Referrals were coming to Jenny’s Place from assessed as sufficiently stable to[...]out inappropriate referrals
    workers meeting with Jenny’s management to refuges and la[...]
    [...]the National Disability Insurance
    lengthy period, Jenny’s Committee called a Agency (NDIS), Me[...]lth Australia.
    to deal with the associated stress placed on
    workers and the women with children who[...]ring from domestic violence. It replaces the old system of ‘block’ funds[...]
    [...]e of Mental Health Rosemary Ramsey, Jenny’s Place ‘rock’ during
    occupies the old Watt Street Ho[...]Richmond Report era has, in recent years,
    been replaced with inclusive alternatives such
    as ‘a[...]
    [...]at of wives and mothers and relying when Jenny’s Place won the tender to provide
    on their breadwi[...]
    [...]n on arrival. situations. Teresa left Jenny’s Place in 1988 to[...]from of Family and Community Services.
    Jenny’s Place Committee attended the monthly
    Working Party meet[...]try worker in 1989. In 2017 Rose is one of Jenny’s
    areas with funds available to pay for air time.[...]willing to the team leader for both Jenny’s Place
    advertise in any language other than English,[...]Rose recalls her early training days at Jenny’s
    had opened in Newcastle. Today, known[...]amme (WESP) Beryl Searl joined Jenny’s Place in 1986 as the
    provided funding for 11 new worker[...]ginal women. Jenny’s second Indigenous worker. She left[...]after two years to take up a position with the
    Jenny’s Place submission for the position of an Departme[...]proved and in September
    1984 Teresa Moskal joined Jenny’s team as Beryl moved on from Jenny’s in 1993 to
    the first Non-English Speaking Backgro[...]l has the little exercise
    Multicultural Affairs replaced the term NESB book she used to write h[...]ous acronym had her training period at Jenny’s in 1986.[...]
    [...]n and government policies. In 2017,
    who work with Jenny’s Place to provide this is no more.[...]
    Our Place A WARM SAFE SPACE

    “Why[...]ded in with the
    abuser’s cunning by managing to place the Yes, refuge work can be sad an[...]Jenny’s Place is about.
    In recognition of the ease with[...]
    [...]She purchased knitting needles, crochet hooks
    Jenny’s is special; their lives are unique and a[...]was policy to never refuse repairs and replacements during the annual
    a woman in need – after[...]d Doreen will always be remembered as Jenny’s
    shovelling around for space with everyone[...]nd alternative accommodation To many, Jenny’s Place becomes a little
    for the overflow.[...]
    Order in the House
    September 1977 - Jenny’s Refuge opened with Apart from the req[...]k of this book.
    of the day. No judgement would be placed on
    women’s differing standards of living unles[...]Committee book had evolved during Jenny’s early years
    members from the National Conference.[...]sometimes placed other people at risk.
    The first three rules - no[...]itial intake along with the understanding Jenny’s were entirely alone. They’d come
    that if any of[...]other young mothers staying at Jenny’s with
    The fourth rule; that children were to be[...]Jenny’s with their mothers as children were
    Initially, Jenny’s was staffed by volunteers, now r[...]
    [...]e women who actually were advised that Jenny’s was closing for two
    wanted to live at Jenny’s for evermore. weeks. Workers met[...]there. It also gave valuable time to
    For others, Jenny’s was their favourite place work out issues that had been pu[...]
    [...]for a brief few hours Jenny’s Place was
    In times of heightened stress there was[...]person to enter occupies the bulk of Jenny’s front yard.
    their new home.[...], making referrals, supervising the replacement time. There’s no time to chat.
    daily[...]
    [...]es clanging and barely any weekend Jenny’s Place will be back in
    space to sit may surprise[...]
    [...]ad established a housing directory to look
    unless Jenny’s workers argued with them on into the s[...]this, Jenny’s Committee had written to
    Jenny’s Committee, after only a year of[...]
    [...]significant leadership skills along with Jenny’s
    had become mobilised in campaigning for the Place former childcare worker Chris Dodds,
    funding of w[...]e Newmacq offered opportunities for Jenny’s
    March l983 election led to sweeping change[...]
    [...]Jenny’s Place continues to refer clients to
    Between 1988 and l9[...]he chairperson an ongoing problem and Jenny’s Place, along
    of the board, Labor MP Allan Morris,[...]
    [...](AND A BABY OF HER OWN)

    From the outset Jenny’s Group were deeply allocating funds[...]on the Housing July general meeting, Jenny’s Place made
    Commission’s waiting lists and applied for[...]sly been on public in accordance with Jenny’s philosophy to
    waiting lists had little or no hope[...]y those already on the Housing
    support systems in place.Jenny’s members
    laugh again?[...]members from Jenny’s Place plus two
    Jenny’s Committee resolved to seek more[...]
    [...]uth Bamford as the committee was the Jenny’s Place Committee;
    Jenny’s Place representative. casual w[...]away from the Refuge.”
    and beneficial in Jenny’s obtaining their first
    funding grant, was among th[...]vember, evaluator Sharon Ryan was Jenny’s Place from the Refuge’s earliest
    employed for a plann[...]nal review was held in And in 2008, Jenny’s Place initiated the
    December 1984 and YACS arranged the[...]lic meeting followed at the end of Jenny’s Place unfunded Resource Centre is
    January to present th[...]Project, had occupied as their
    Wendy Couper left Jenny’s Place to take up home since the 1980s.
    the second fulltime position with another of
    Jenny’s workers, Kerry Patterson, leaving
    to join the Hal[...]of the former
    Newcastle East police station.

    At Jenny’s Place 30th anniversary celebration
    in 2007, Wend[...]
    [...]e community believed the issue was not Jenny’s Place member Wendy Couper
    taken seriously by pol[...]
    [...]Newcastle 1988 – 1994) put in place have significantly improved police[...]denying the possibility of ever having Jenny’s Place began in 2005 where all services
    a productive rel[...]involvement following domestic
    In September 1983, Jenny’s staff correlated violence incidents.[...]VOCAL (Victims of Crime Assistance League
    Jenny’s earliest records reveal the Committee[...]E campaign launched in
    requested. This occasioned Jenny’s Committee 2014 was described b[...]
    [...]ing evidence in court.
    whereby the police, DVCAS, Jenny’s Place and
    other support services meet fortnightl[...]
    [...]In those early years the principal organisations Jenny’s Place interacted with, apart from the
    local police forc[...]ve anxiety in 1970s and 1980s were Jenny’s Place were either on a pension or in
    Valium, Serapax an[...]name changes, change-backs and re-changes
    Jenny’s Place workers were part of a Drug for the[...]In the decade from 1977 to 1987 Jenny’s Place
    Elderly Dr. Walkom was the Refuge’s doct[...]
    Jenny’s clients had a generational dislike of On[...]ength during weekly or
    Women and children came to Jenny’s Place special meetings, before acting. Oft[...]Services - There were a number disconcerting
    Jenny’s Place had a policy of strict issues wi[...]Jenny’s. Workers were given no guarantees
    The legal position of Jenny’s workers and that this practice[...]
    Jenny’s workers and their residents deserved Women[...]efforts to escape
    Department of Social Security - Jenny’s cruelty. They didn’t relish their n[...]t to the attitudes of some counter- Today, Jenny’s persistence in initiating the
    staff with the issu[...]ower to visit homes unexpectedly, Today, Jenny’s Place is proud of their
    check wardrobes with the aim of[...]slowly but with determination
    and persistence as Jenny’s Place workers,
    along with their sisters in other[...]
    [...]heir heads above water – budget
    groups in 1975, Jenny’s Place didn’t receive watching the groce[...]Jenny’s submission in early 1980 requested
    Former Committ[...]ongoing salaries.
    beneficial force in assisting Jenny’s in the next
    step – funding for one part-time po[...]with residents after they’d left Jenny’s Place.

    Queensland’s women were not so fortuna[...]ity to make the public aware of refuges’
    giving Jenny’s Place salaries for 3 or 3.5 fulltime posi[...]
    [...]Care. was welcomed by NSW refuges.

    Jenny’s Place met with YACS regional In 19[...]management and funding and caused extensive
    Jenny’s Place formed the “Dumping Welfare” c[...]oing Home Staying Home reforms
    to strike, four of Jenny’s workers (Janne, have destroyed the[...]Specialist Homelessness Reform Jenny’s Place
    Somehow most women’s refuges did survive.[...]kers in each refuge Four of Jenny’s core workers had totted
    plus 17% loading for reli[...]on of statistics. Jenny’s since the Phoebe Street days, Marcia[...]ral, the move to the purpose-built Jenny’s in 1989
    State and Territory Governments ag[...]
    [...]donations and funds allowing provision for
    made Jenny’s Place their home for a short this essenti[...]During the last few years, Jenny’s Place
    These four women knew how Jenny’s worked, has been very fortunate in[...]company supporting Jenny’s Place Resource
    They’d worked too long and too hard to allow Centre with $80,000 per annum over the
    Jenny’s to go under. n[...]t ongoing Government funding
    tendering concerns - Jenny’s Place would be for the Resource Centre.
    no[...]f the Centre and knowledge of the support
    In 2014 Jenny’s Place was successful in and services pr[...]qually determined and strong- allowed Jenny’s Place to employ extra staff
    minded women. Includ[...]to be able to meet the demand. One of the
    Refuge, Jenny’s “package” now consists paid[...]Accommodation partnerships to assist Jenny’s Place to
    properties plus a continuation and an[...]
    [...]service to continue.



    Everyone involved with Jenny’s Place service is again bearing new offspring who[...]ith the philosophy
    of old entrenched in her womb, Jenny’s Place[...]
    [...]expensively suited ministers and their policy
    Jenny’s Place founding foremothers hadn’t adviso[...]ifying Nimbin-style tops).
    circumstances. Jenny’s feminist founders had
    begun a journey, a resolute[...]e’s could expect!
    opening, five of Jenny’s feminist foremothers
    (Eva, Jan, Judy, Bev[...]
    [...]since men’s shoes!!!
    l978, visited Jenny’s Place in the early l980s
    regarding the Refuge’[...]
    [...]lleague because she had used the ‘F’
    properly placed in the middle of a word had word. And[...]rence and justifiably so! used in the work place increased.

    Also women from non-English sp[...]
    [...]ift.

    The selections below are recollections from Jenny’s former and current workers.

    The Phoebe Street Da[...]She did, letting prior to the surgery. Jenny’s workers were
    out a primeval scream that wo[...]
    [...]Praise given by a seasoned staff member to
    Jenny’s Committee paid hotel accommodation a[...]t to not run away
    stage, this woman did return to Jenny’s Place after she’d had a dispute with anothe[...]o be a ‘refuge’
    from the property settlement. Jenny’s workers worker. The resident chose to o[...]Refuge every half hour, the resident (Jenny’s[...]as they walked back to the Refuge with
    Jenny’s address to her husband and then[...]
    [...]On many occasions in past years, Jenny’s
    between the bunk beds’ wooden slats in the[...]to one another while they directed Jenny’s
    heartbreak on hearing in later years there’d Place staff to carry out the heavy luggage and
    been a f[...]ose-Built’ Refuge Days Jenny’s workers realise how ridiculous those
    A little boy[...]known as ‘natural and logical consequences’.
    Jenny’s with her small son as she couldn’t[...]the child support centre was a safe place and[...]he Refuge’s entrance. week stay at Jenny’s, the family were ready
    A staff member and[...]
    [...]lice escorted him vehicle belonging to Jenny’s Place to a section
    from the Refuge. When the man in que[...]want my teeth However after the event Jenny’s workers
    back. Give me my teeth. They’re[...]
    [...]ted’ by husbands to pick up
    peep into the world Jenny’s Place the children from their schoo[...]pent time with their residents in the Phoebe
    When Jenny’s Place first opened, the workers[...]memories of Jenny’s workers of today.
    money to spend - to have money[...]tempting ‘craft’ work, skills in which
    Today, Jenny’s Place workers still feel that[...]
    [...]time no see Those kind of places aren’t for women
    Oh my God what happened to th[...]? Is there a better class of place where you could go?
    You say you didn’t do anyth[...]lved I really must go now I’veplaces to be
    Why not go home and the problem is[...]
    [...]looking back in hindsight at that
    As I remembered Jenny’s Place I ponder, did that kindy chai[...]not All these are given at Jenny’s Place.
    Basic digs was what we got
    With paperwork[...]
    [...]ng and Receiving
    From inception those involved in Jenny’s The Committee liaised with other women’s
    Place Committee gave generously of their se[...]y assisted other refuges with training Jenny’s Place not only gave generously and
    forums and advice re[...]very early years, they also received
    and the ways Jenny’s Place had learned to an abundance of assista[...]to rape legislation, The Grain Silos Board placed a levy on
    women and violence, divorce and proper[...]Security meat to be purchased prior to Jenny’s Place
    regarding benefits and services provided,[...]and then gave Jenny’s a donation from
    There were forums on women and[...]e attended. assisting Jenny’s Place move to their new[...]
    [...]Jenny’s Place can continue to support women
    Josephine Conw[...]our community.
    from Violence and participator in Jenny’s
    Place early formation, remained connected[...]y hosting many fundraising
    In July 2007, three of Jenny’s staff members events and providing fin[...]Christmas period. Members of Rotary and
    part of Jenny’s, popping into the Refuge every Lions Clu[...]half of various Bay Rotary Club offered Jenny’s the use of
    women’s groups or paintings she’d[...]t no cost, in a vacant building
    gifts to brighten Jenny’s walls. he owned in the Hun[...]pportunity to showcase
    Four decades since opening Jenny’s Place is the new Resource Centre before a l[...]llsend Diggers RSL Club and Hexham
    Each member of Jenny’s Place is extremely Bowling Club have supp[...]Church groups provide
    from cuts to funding. When Jenny’s Place toys, toiletries, Mothers’ Day,[...]ic Violence and Homeless Services in Jenny’s staff as guest speakers and have in
    the Newcastle[...]ny Women’s Association have supported Jenny’s
    who give throughout each and every year since 2007 with annual monetary donations,
    that Jenny’s Place is able to achieve countless handm[...]
    [...]iness firms in the area supportive of Jenny’s Place and gave a
    have held numerous fundraising social[...]mputer support, maintenance and servicing
    whereby Jenny’s Place and other services for over 20 yea[...]puters women and children residing at Jenny’s
    when they are settling into another home.[...]partnership with Jenny’s Place, beginning
    Another amazing organisation, F[...]to assist women setting up in new safe homes.
    Jenny’s Place staff to establish the needs Port Wa[...]en members of Friends with Dignity Jenny’s Outreach Team with their “Keys
    completely furni[...]thout ever meeting the support service Jenny’s team provide. More
    clients concerned.[...]and offered support to Jenny’s Place Domestic
    Kiwanis Beachside-Newcastle are a dedica[...]t 2 years. They are also lending
    have been aiding Jenny’s in the last few years their expertise to[...]packaged and tinned food
    the year. Kelly contacts Jenny’s Place and collected from shops, caf[...]
    [...]e Lastly, but by no means least, Jenny’s Place
    from the Engineering and Built Environment[...]f their staff who have
    of Architecture, contacted Jenny’s Place continued to support us over the[...]time and fundraising finances
    for resources to replace play equipment and Male partners of staff have driven to Jenny’s
    lay soft fall as they reconstruct the backyard[...]trouble when there were dangerous situations
    Jenny’s Place family refuge. or pro[...]Room 5 through the ceiling’s manhole which
    replaced all the window coverings throughout[...]West. beyond any expectation Jenny’s Place may[...]ve had.
    Another big thank you goes to Ean Sutton,
    Jenny’s Place volunteer maintenance
    handyman. Ean[...]
    [...]ive upstairs bedrooms are never empty Jenny’s Place – forty years later - the dream
    while another b[...]bout the work
    Not-for-profit and community-based; Jenny’s they do in supporting and empowering
    Place work alongside many government and[...]melessness in Newcastle and
    surrounding regions.

    Jenny’s Place’s list of achievements since her
    conception are[...]d fundraisers to maintain this facility.

    In 2014 Jenny’s won the tender to provide
    Specialist Homel[...]
    APPENDIX A

    JENNY’S PLACE 1977 – 2017 Most Significant Achievements

    Our[...]support, case management, referral
    and advocacy.
    Jenny’s Place has always been proactive at identifying and fill[...]refuge.
    • Successful lobbying for funding for Jenny’s Place Refuge.
    • Being a part of the Women’s Refug[...]government services required by DV clients.
    Jenny’s Place workers as members of the Child Support Wo[...]
    [...]lies in Newcastle,
    Sydney and Canberra.
    Jenny’s Place was one of the representatives on the Women’s R[...]ed by the Women’s
    Refuge Movement.
    Jenny’s Place was part of a group that established the Newcastl[...]wcastle Community for approximately
    10 years. Jenny’s Place took up positions of Secretary and Chairperson for this committee.
    Jenny’s Place with other local regional refuges established the[...]effects of Domestic Violence on Children.
    Jenny’s Place workers were part of a regional group of child su[...]workshops at NSW Child Support Conferences.
    Jenny’s Place along with other community services established t[...]tions and services for those
    experiencing DV. Jenny’s Place continues to be a part of this committee and has auspiced
    this committee for many years.
    Jenny’s Place along with the Area Domestic Violence Police Co-o[...]s. Policies and procedures were
    developed and Jenny’s Place worked out of the Waratah police station one day a week.
    • Establishment of the Jenny’s Place Newcastle Domestic Violence Information an[...]
    [...]hed so that people experiencing DV
    had a safe place to go to get the specialist support, information,[...]isers to support
    this valuable service.
    Jenny’s Place partnered with the Domestic Violence Court Suppor[...]lence Orders. This support continues today.
    Jenny’s Place was part of a co-ordination group for a 3 year pr[...]assisted many women over the 3 year period.
    Jenny’s Place represented Newcastle DV services on the Newcastl[...]ive Services, Disabilities, Centrelink etc.
    Jenny’s Place won a grant in 2011 to provide Domestic Violence[...]groups, neighbourhood centres etc.
    • In 2014 Jenny’s Place won the tender to provide Specialist Homeless and[...]to women and children in
    the community.
    Jenny’s Place increased their staff to accommodate the addition[...]Centre from community donations.
    • To enable Jenny’s Place to provide Transitional Accommodation to single w[...]women.
    • In partnership with Wesley Mission, Jenny’s Place provides a women’s support luncheon[...]
    Jenny’s Place provides assertive outreach support, information[...]for clients who have identified state debt.
    Jenny’s Place established a partnership with Homeless Persons L[...]d Mead Solicitors and Hickson’s Law Firm.
    Jenny’s Place continue to be a strong part of the Hunter Commun[...]ets, haircuts, free birth certificates etc.
    Jenny’s Place Outreach Team provide support, information, advoc[...]g with numerous community service partners.
    Jenny’s Place in 2016 established a partnership with the Depart[...]Department in Newcastle on a weekly basis.
    Jenny’s Place along with other Women’s services from Newcastl[...]Homeless Action
    Plan) funds received by FACS. Jenny’s Place continues to provide a 24 hour DV support
    service which it has done for at least 35 years.
    Jenny’s Place held a World Café Style Day in 2016 where all se[...]from many services
    including six workers from Jenny’s Place made contact with Homeless people for three
    c[...]and
    receiving the support they require.
    Jenny’s Place has established numerous referral partnerships an[...]Council
    Homeless Interagency Group etc.
    Jenny’s Place continues to be supported by the Newcastle and su[...]our community. It is this support that makes
    Jenny’s Place the successful service that it is today. T[...]
    APPENDIX B

    Jenny’s Place Women’s Domestic Violence and Homeless Services[...]96289
    and press option 1 or email referrals@jennysplace.org

    The following SHS services are provid[...]m
    (GHSH) from October 2014


    Service: Jenny’s Place Women & Children’s Supported Crisis Refuge
    Targ[...]kills Post Crisis Support




    Service: Jenny’s Place Supported Single Women’s Crisis Refuge
    T[...]
    Service: Jenny’s Place Outreach Program
    Target Group: Women and Chi[...]26289 option 1
    Email: referrals@jennysplace.org
    Support provided: Client focused Co-Ca[...]to complete documentation




    Service: Jenny’s Place Transitional Supported Housing Program
    Target Gro[...]26289 option 1
    Email: referrals@jennysplace.org
    Support provided: Transitional support[...]ded under the SHS program.




    Service: Jenny’s Place Domestic Violence & Resource Centre
    Target[...]
    [...]ealed/news-story/d1647a8e9bb98d61839e9cbac893f9e7
    Jenny’s Place – a welcome refuge, Newcastle Morning He[...]

    MD

    [...]lication &quot;The Birth of a Dream : Jenny&#39;s Place Women &amp; Children&#39;s Refuge Newcastle (Sept 1977- Sept 2017)&quot; is a history of Jenny&#39;s Place Women and children&#39;s refuge in Newcastle (Australia).&nbsp;Jenny&#39;s Place is a not-for-profit community-based service estab[...]rd written by Marcia Chapman, Manager Jenny&#39;s Place Inc.</p>

    <p>Sponsored by Chris Boswell[...]
    Jennys Place Inc
    Jennys Place Women & Childrens Refuge