As the Chair of Women Up North Housing, it has been a privilege to work beside such a dedicated team of people, including fellow Board members, our wonderful Executive Officer Jillian Knight-Smith, staff and volunteers. Our team is talented and diverse, with the knowledge and skills dedicated to helping our clients to have a brighter future, free of domestic violence.

This year the Board welcomed back Keda Ley, a local solicitor with a passion for accounting. Keda has taken on the role of Assistant Treasurer. The Board also appreciates Jasmine Knight-Smith, who has taken on the responsibility of taking the minutes. Jasmine’s dedication to accurate record keeping is much valued by the board.

Britt Huxtable, our Treasurer, is our go-to person for all things financial, ably supported by Keda, our magnificent bookkeeper Rosalie, and financial officer Lorinda.

Bronwyn Stephens, our Secretary, brings many years experience in government contracts to our Board.

Nena Carroll is our Aboriginal Member and represents our Indigenous communities at Board meetings. Nena works closely with local jarjums (the Bundjalung word for children) and brings us a wealth of insight into Aboriginal community and issues.

Rev. Dorothy Harris-Gordon (known affectionately as Aunty Dorrie) is our Aboriginal Mentor, guiding us in traditional Aboriginal customs and practices. It is a special experience when Aunty Dorrie opens our meetings with a Welcome to Country in her native Bundjalung tongue.

Amanda Meade rounds out our Board. Amanda is a solicitor with great insight into the special issues of domestic violence.

With fewer houses available for transitional housing, and the costs involved in maintaining Bugalma Bihyn Refuge, our funding is always tight. To help with funding, we will be broadening our fundraising endeavours in 2016-17. We hosted a sausage sizzle at Lismore Bunnings in October, and raffled off some handmade crocheted rugs. We also have our tech team working on a fresh website, with an ecommerce platform to sell goods and accept donations.

For the third year in a row, our group room was flooded with stormwater. After the first flood, Jill fitted the group room out in such a way as to minimise damage should another flood occur. Her foresight has proved highly valuable. However, the task of cleaning up after flooding always detracts from the vital work we could be doing in assisting women to escape violent relationships.

I would like to acknowledge our quiet partners working behind the scenes, and who continue to support our work. Without them, many of our clients’ needs would not be met. This list is by no means complete, but I wish to thank Zonta Women’s Club, CWA, Seventh Day Adventists, Uniting Church Ballina, Body Shop, Caddies Coffee, Samaritans Christmas Child Box, Uniting Christmas Appeal, Knitting for the Needy, and Coles Goonellabah and Alstonville. Our heartfelt thanks goes toall individuals and organisations that contribute to our success. Women Up North Housing sincerely appreciates your ongoing support.

A special mention is required for Lismore City Council and NRCF, who gave us grants to enable us to continue running our vital ‘Love Bites’ programme this year. Love Bites helps break the cycle of violence by teaching respectful behaviour to teenagers. The programme is a favourite in the community and our thanks go to Council for continuing to support the programme.

Thanks to our funding partners On Track Community Programs (3SA) for their support over the last year. We look forward to continuing in this partnership for many years yet!

This year we bade a sad farewell to Laurel Moran, after 25 years in the sector. Laurel was a member of the Women Up North Housing Management Committee before becoming a staff member. Laurel served Women Up North Housing as Team Leader for six years, and she will be sorely missed. We wish Laurel all the best, and a long and happy retirement.

To our Executive Officer, Jill, thank you for all your hard work, and the dedication you apply to all that you do. You always exceed our expectations and it is a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside you.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has supported Women Up North Housing in any way. Without your support, Women Up North Housing would not be able to deliver needy services to our clients. Without your support, their lives would be the poorer, and we thank you.

Louise Lancett

Chairperson