By Emily-Rose Toohey
Southern Downs Women’s Advocacy and Action Team (WAAT) comprise of Sue Hamlet, Kathy Payne, and Judy Hefferan.
These women have been lobbying for improved women’s crisis support resources in the Southern Downs, and are motivated by lived experiences and what they see day to day at work.
“We know there is an incredible need for resources for women within our community,” the WAAT team said.
“The impacts of gendered violence on women and children (mostly) are horrendous, and the ripples of trauma in families and communities are widespread.
“This is happening in our hometown, so we felt compelled to act.”
A year ago, they organised a popup March4Justice in Warwick and said this inspired them to continue acting and lobbying for change – the Women’s Action and Advocacy Team (WAAT) in the region was hence born.
The group said their goals are to increase crisis response funding for women and children in the region, among numerous other goals.
“Clear pathways and better services for those impacted by domestic and family violence, creating better connectivity and information among existing outreach services, and continuing to act as a practical and determined agent for change,” the WAAT team said.
Their other goals include lobbying for real action on a federal, state and local level, and acting as a catalyst for local action and innovation.
“We are in discussions with the Office of Women and Violence Prevention to trial an Integrated Service Response based on the Southern Downs, starting as soon as April,” the WAAT team said.
“This will bring together a number of local stakeholders to see how we can better respond to the needs of our community.”
Sue, Kathy, and Judy are three women who are inspiring change in our community, and they said they will continue to lobby each and every decision maker who can advance their list of needs.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate their efforts and positive impact in the region.
