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CONSTRUCTION workers at Seymour Whyte have marked International Women’s Day by raising over $3000 to benefit a local non-profit organisation supporting women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence.
Lithgow Women and Children’s Crisis Centre (LWCCC) staff were delighted to receive the generous donation to their organisation.
Seymour Whyte, on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services, is upgrading the Great Western Highway between Hartley Valley and Forty Bends.
The project is expected to be completed in 2017.
Workers on the Great Western Highway project were able to raise funds to support the centre through raffles and gold coin donations at the construction site.
“It is a known fact that engineering and construction is a male-dominated industry,” Seymour Whyte Project Manager Kym Jessep said.
“Our collective challenge as men is to initiate change and create a culture where violence in any form is unacceptable – at work or at home.
“This fundraising effort was part of a campaign to increase awareness of violence against women and related issues in our communities; start the conversation onsite between workforce; and apply actions that can make a difference,” Mr Jessep said.
The money raised by workers will be used to purchase children’s play equipment and facilities for the LWCCC to ease the burden on displaced families.
“The contribution from Seymour Whyte is greatly appreciated and has assisted us to upgrade the current facilities, creating a more welcoming, and child friendly environment for women and their young families,” Lithgow Community Projects Inc Manager Deonne Kinney said.
“In Australia, statistics indicate that one in three women have experienced physical and or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them, while one in four children have been exposed to domestic and family violence.
“It is great to see a national company raising awareness about this issue, and supporting local services to better meet the needs of those seeking assistance,” Ms Kinney said.
Mr Jessep extended this thanks to the staff on the project, suppliers and subcontractors for their generous contributions.
“We are very proud to have taken the leap in raising awareness within our workforce, and supporting the local community and Lithgow Women and Children’s Crisis Centre through Lithgow Community Projects Incorporated,” he said.
Lithgow Community Projects Inc (LCP) is a community based, non-profit organisation funded by Family and Community Services Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) program.
Lithgow Women and Children’s Crisis Centre (LWCCC) was established in 1989 by a group of volunteers to provide support to women and their children who were experiencing domestic violence, or who were at risk of becoming homeless due to other life crises.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, or you believe that your relationship may be unhealthy and would like to talk to someone, you can contact Lithgow Community Projects Inc on 6351 2230 or 1800 664 996 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.