Dear Harbour Community,

Winter is well and truly with us, and there is plenty of exciting news to share from across Harbour Refuge & Support Services! We are thrilled to have expanded our team with an additional Domestic Violence Outreach Worker, helping us reach and support more women across the Southwest.

We are also excited to introduce our new Financial Safety & Wellbeing Educator role, focusing on workshops, financial education and practical everyday skills to support our clients. We are already hearing some fantastic ideas around budgeting, finding creative ways to save money and, importantly, protecting financial wellbeing. We know financial stress can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing, so providing practical tools and knowledge can make a real difference.

There is lots happening across Harbour, and we are looking forward to sharing some of the wonderful work, community support and exciting developments in this winter edition.

As always, the incredible support of our community helps make the work we do possible, and we are ever so grateful. Every donation, partnership, act of kindness and show of support helps us continue to provide safety, support and hope to women and children across our South West community.

DV Collective-

New Mattress for all the beds

Chefs Long Table Charity Lunch- White Goods

South 32 Worsley Grant - Baby Items & Bed linen

Fluer Rose Art - Artwork for our client meeting room

Bunbury Knitting Group- Handmade Kitted Rugs

Chefs Long Table Charity Lunch

We are incredibly grateful to the Chefs Long Table Charity Lunch for their generous $30,000 donation towards essential appliances for Boab House. This incredible contribution enabled us to purchase a new washing machine, dishwasher, heat-pump dryer, fridge and other appliances, with energy efficiency in mind to help reduce ongoing household costs.

And yes, it is actually a pleasure to put a load of washing on now — just joking! But if you’ve ever owned an old top-loader that sounds like a monster has moved into the laundry, you’ll know exactly what we mean!

Since 2004, the Chefs Long Table Charity Lunch has brought the Southwest community together to raise funds for community and not-for-profit organisations. Volunteer-led and much anticipated each year, the event continues to make a wonderful difference across our region.

We are so thankful to the organisers, volunteers, chefs, sponsors and supporters whose generosity has helped make Boab House a warm, welcoming and fully equipped refuge for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

About – Chefs Long Table

Grace Christian School

A heartfelt thank you to the Year 9 girls, their teacher and the wonderful school community at Grace Christian School Bunbury for the incredible care and thought put into your donation drive for Harbour Refuge & Support Services.

The handmade bags decorated with beautiful words and drawings of flowers were so special. Filled with essential items alongside thoughtful gifts such as journals, beautiful tea, chocolate and new sleepwear, they will bring so much comfort and kindness to women during difficult times.

The food hampers were also amazing and included many items that are often considered “luxury” foods when families are struggling financially — sweet biscuits, cordial, custard, tinned goods, cake mix and other treats. For many of our outreach clients, these are the first things removed from shopping lists, so receiving these items will be such a welcome surprise and reminder that people care.

Health by Nurture

Harbour Refuge & Support Services would like to sincerely thank Health by Nurture for coordinating a donation drive of essential items for women accessing our service.

Through the generosity of their team, clients, and supporters, we received new pajamas, leggings, crew neck sweaters, socks, and toiletries. These practical items provide comfort, dignity, and support to women and children who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing family and domestic violence.

As the colder weather arrives, these donations will make a meaningful difference to those accessing our service. We are incredibly grateful to Health by Nurture and everyone who contributed to this thoughtful initiative.

Monetary Donations

Many women arrive in our service with no time or opportunity to pack their belongings and have no access to funds.

Your support enables us to provide essential items such as food, clothing, medicine, transport or school equipment until they are able organise their own funds.

Material Donations

At Harbour we love to have donations of good quality clothing on hand for both Mums’ and children and we accept any of the following items; Non perishable food,

Unopened toiletries, New underwear, Hair grooming products, School supplies and uniforms.

Donate your Services

Help us by donating your services such as yoga, exercise classes or teaching our clients a skill to help them in their journey towards being independent.  

If you wish to offer volunteer services to our clients, contact us today.

Mindfulness & Wellness: Caring for Ourselves, Strengthening Our Community

Mindfulness and wellness are not just individual practices — they play an important role in building strong, connected communities. When we take time to care for our own wellbeing, we are better able to support those around us with empathy, patience, and understanding.

Simple strategies such as checking in with ourselves, taking regular breaks, staying connected with others, and asking for support when needed can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. These everyday acts of self-care create a ripple effect, supporting healthier relationships and safer communities.

Explore these website lots of tips about wellness

14 Mindfulness Exercises for All Ages

Mindfulness: 8 Mindful Exercises, Benefits, & Getting Started