Council earns praise ahead of annual charity fundraiser

Monday, 18 January 2021

The Haven-Nepean Women’s Shelter has been named as the chosen fundraising charity for Penrith City Council’s 2021 Mayoral Golf Charity Day.

Functioning as a safe haven for Penrith women and their children who have fled from a domestic violence situation, the organisation provides knowledge and services aimed at protecting, empowering and inspiring these women so they may regain control and start over.  

The nominated charity was revealed during Council’s 2020 November Ordinary Meeting, when Councillors endorsed the recommendation to support The Haven-Nepean Women’s Shelter and shared positive sentiments about the decision.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence is an ongoing issue in our community; one that is tearing apart families and, more devastatingly, claiming lives,” Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said.

“Our annual Mayoral Golf Charity Day raises money for a local organisation and I feel honoured that in early 2021 we will pass on donations to this very worthy cause,” Cr McKeown said.

Chair of The Haven, Sharon Levy, said the donations will make a significant difference for those in need, following what has been a truly challenging 2020..

“The Haven is grateful for the ongoing support from Council, with our limited capacity to fundraise and the difficulties COVID-19 has presented in terms of not only increased numbers of domestic violence cases but also our ability to provide our services with the threat of the pandemic over our heads, which is heightened in a communal living space,” Ms Levy said.

“Thank you to both Council and the supporters of this event for helping to keep our doors open to those in our community who are most vulnerable,” she said.
As one of The Haven’s directors, Deputy Mayor Tricia Hitchen welcomed the news and has thanked Council and Cr McKeown on behalf of the organisation.

“Since COVID-19, our need for services have gone up by 20 per cent but our ability to raise money to keep The Haven going has dwindled to zero,” Cr Hitchen said.

“To choose us as your nominated charity has come at a good time because we are in such great need,” she said.

On average in Australia, one woman a week is killed due to family and domestic violence. In 2018-2019, the Penrith Local Government Area had roughly 1,200 reported incidents of domestic violence.

The decision to support The Haven coincides with Council being officially recognised as a White Ribbon Australia accredited workplace.

Council successfully completed the White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program, which is facilitated by Communicare and aims to support organisations in preventing violence against women.

Through the program, Council has also developed its mandatory and comprehensive Towards Zero staff training program which promotes a zero-tolerance approach, to call out, challenge and change any form of inappropriate behaviour.

The 2021 Mayoral Charity Golf Day will be held on Friday, 12 March at Penrith Golf Club. For team registration and sponsorship opportunities contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 4732 8678.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 18 January 2021.