Newsletter - Issue 15 - March 2023
Our News
As we continue to grow and evolve at Pop In, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey and express our gratitude for the incredible support we have received since our doors opened in 2020.
When we established Pop In, we recognised that for our long-term success, we needed to engage all members of our community in our plans, activities, and projects. We wanted to create a space where women and children impacted by domestic violence could feel supported and empowered, and we knew that this vision could only be achieved with the help from the generous people and businesses in the Southern Highlands.
It’s fair to say that the Southern Highlands community has overwhelmed us with their generosity, financial support, in-kind support, and most importantly, their friendship and commitment to supporting the women and children who come to Pop In. We have now supported over 440 women and children, something we could not have achieved without the critical role that our community has played in making Pop In a reality.
I want to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are humbled by your kindness and generosity, and we are committed to continuing to work together to create positive change in the lives of women and children in need.
Ways to support
Pop In could not keep its doors open without the generous support from our Southern Highlands community. Please consider making a donation to Pop In so we can continue to support the women and children in our community that do not have a safe and happy home.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Our Results
B, 76, moved to the Highlands from overseas at the invitation of her son to assist with childcare. When she arrived her son took control of her finances to support the purchase of a property, with a verbal agreement that she could have her investment back at any time.
B lived separately in the new home, preparing her own meals, she was not encouraged to join the family other than as a carer for the children during work hours.
B became ill and was unable to provide care for the children, she was hospitalised. Upon release she was told that they were sending her back home and that they would not be able to support her application for a visa.
B was supported by her local church group who offered to bring her to Pop In as they were concerned at the treatment she was receiving.
Pop In case workers and the church community worked to together with B to identify what she wanted. Critical information and explanation regarding visas, finances, and rights, importantly the time and space to be able to talk and share in relation to her situation.
Finally B made the choice to leave, Pop In supported her to re-engage with community and family overseas to ensure she was going back to safety, care and kindness.
Our Community
On Sunday 19th February, we held Pop In's inaugural Golf Day. The event was a great success, raising $30,000 in much-needed funds to help continue to support women and their children impacted by domestic violence in the Southern Highlands.
17 teams played 18 holes on the stunning Bowral Golf Club course, with big congratulations to Chris Shepherd and his team from CS Air Conditioning for winning the overall competition.
We were so thankful to have such great support for this event from our sponsors, participants, organisers and volunteers who really made it a special day.
Our People
Finette Sheather
Finette is a busy mum of 3 and a wife to a local tradie, with over 10 years of working in the Domestic and Family Violence sector. Finette is employed as a Domestic Violence Educator, researching, writing and piloting an educational program, in Early Childhood and Primary School educational settings. Throughout her career she has developed a particular interest in educating and equipping our children and young people with the skills and knowledge base of what is Domestic and Family Violence and how to respond. Finette bakes for fun and is excited to be a part of the Pop In team and looks forward to being part of the growth of the organisation.
Sponsor Thank you
We'd like to say a big thank you to Brett Wardle from Moss Vale Motor Group who kindly sponsored the sixth hole (par three) for a hole in one prize of a Peugeot Van worth over $50,000. Despite the incentive being there, no one won it on the day.
Many kind Southern Highland community members helped make it a successful day including:
Pascal and Chloe from Kookabar Cafe in Wingecarribee Street, Bowral provided a $100 meal voucher for the best dressed golfer to use at their French cafe.
Artemis Wines donated 4 bottles of wine for the longest drive
Moss Vale Hotel donated wine for the winning team
Graeme Millar kindly donated the winning trophies and engraved them for us and has promised to do the same next year
Let's not forget our amazing volunteers who donated their time to cook the BBQ and help prepare food in the kitchen and ensured the day ran like a well oiled machine.
And of course, a final thank you to Kevin Kenny and Regina from Bowral Golf Club who were both a big help in making the day a huge success.
