Cricket association goes into bat for Samaritan House in Mackay

Jules Kakono, Samaritan House Manager (second from right), accepts a cheque from the Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association for the Army’s work with victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

BY SIMONE WORTHING

A local partnership in Mackay, North Queensland, is assisting with ongoing support for The Salvation Army’s Samaritan House, which provides vital accommodation and support services for women and children escaping domestic and family violence (DFV).

Jules Kakono, Samaritan House Manager, expressed deep gratitude for the continuing partnership with the Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association.

“Their support has a direct and positive impact on the safety, comfort and wellbeing of the women and children we care for. We are truly grateful for their commitment to our work,” she said. 

The cricket association supported Rotary’s activities in May to raise money for Samaritan House.

Last year, the cricket association donated Christmas presents to Samaritan House, helping to brighten the festive season for families in crisis.

This year, their generosity has gone even further. In May, the association participated in Rotary’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month activities, hosting Friday night raffles in the club, selling purple bucket hats at reception, and offering a range of delicious, purple-themed treats from the pastry chef. All proceeds – totalling $4000 – went directly to Samaritan House.

In August, a further $1000 was donated to purchase a safety watch, a safety pendant and toys for children at the refuge.

The cricket association donated gifts for children at Samaritan House last year.

“Mackay Cricket Association has long valued and admired the very important work that Samaritan House does in our community. It is a pleasure for us to support them, and we encourage others to do so, too,” said Terry Doolan, Chairman of the Mackay Cricket Association.

Samaritan House, through its interdisciplinary team, provides multifaceted support for victim-survivors. This includes:

• Safe and trauma-informed spaces/accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. Intensive case management for victim survivors as part of supporting their trauma recovery, including through interventions by Specialist DVF Practitioners and a Family Violence Therapeutic Practitioner. 

• Trauma recovery for children through specialist interventions via a Children’s Practitioner. 

• Engaging in DFV awareness in various contexts through participation in community projects such as the Rotary DFV program, Reclaim the Night, and Party in Park (during Child Protection Week) helps promote DFV awareness in different settings.

• A Christmas party for those supported by the service.