WIRE Women's Information Annual Report 2014

women empowering women

WIREANNUALREPORT2014

WOMEN’SINFORMATION

Women’s Information


Linda’s Story: Supported In More Ways Than One

When Linda came to our Women’s Information Centre, she was homeless and living in a tiny room at a noisyrooming house, and had not worked for the past two years which she described as the worst years of herlife. Linda came to WIRE seeking support and assistance in finding more stable housing and getting a job.Linda not only received ongoing emotional support and encouragement from WIRE staff, she was also givenpractical options and opportunities to benefit from WIRE’s different women’s programs.

Having experienced mental health issues, Linda was eligible to attend a 17-week employment program Building Brighter Futures that Vocation ran in partnership with WIRE on Mondays and Tuesdays. She also visited the Women’s Information Centre daily to use our public access computers and phone to collect references from past employers, put together her resumé and apply for work. Sometimes, she attendedWIRE’s AMICA Women’s Lunch Program to share a meal, join in activities and connect with other women.

By the end of the employment program, Linda found a full-time job. And although Linda’s smile and positivitywill be missed we know that she is now earning a liveable wage and hopefully soon will have enough moneyto enter the private rental market. Whilst Linda’s drive and determination was the overriding factor that enabled her to find employment, WIRE’s holistic approach gave Linda the emotional and practical support sheneeded to get back into the workforce and work towards the life she so richly deserves.

No real names have been used for privacy reasons.

contents

2 CEO’s message

3 CHAIR’s message

4 Empowering women to make informed

choices in their lives

10 Training women to empower other women

12 Advocating and researching women’s issues

14 Building WIRE’s independent capacity

15 Our Staff

16 Our Board

18 Our Volunteers, Members and Supporters

20 Our Funders, Donors and Sponsors

22 Our Financials

24 Become a part of our WIRE Community!

2 WIRE WOMEN’S INFORMATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014

CEO’smessageSamiro DouglasCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WIRE Women’s Information

As with each of my years here I look back on 2013/2014 and am amazed at what we have been ableto achieve. Consistent with each year our focus is on listening to the everyday stories of Victorianwomen. It’s these stories that bring us an understanding of the issues that are dominant inwomen’s lives. Unfortunately, family violence is still one of the top reasons women contact us.The increasing housing pressures due to lack of accessible and affordable housing is anotherconstant conversation; this affects all women on so many different levels whether they are renting or buying, now or later on in life.

This past year we have been fortunate to get project funding to advance our work on financial abuse in the context of family violence. We have produced a very well-received information booklet “Money problems with your partner?” and a groundbreaking piece of research “Relationship Problems and Money”. The research informed the development of our informationbooklet, and ensured we heard directly from women about the critical issues they faced, helpingus provide information that is easy to understand and relevant. As always action research is sucha rich and informative process.

Another area of work we have been able to expand into is supporting women in finding workthrough our partnership with Vocation—the delivery of an employment pathway program—andthe AMICA lunch and activity program for women experiencing homelessness and/or isolation.

Since inception 30 years ago, WIRE is committed to making a difference to the lives of Victorianwomen. We would not be able to achieve this without the fantastic support and passion of all ourWIRE women, the staff, the volunteer team, the Board and all the women who share their storieswith us—keeping us in touch with the critical issues women face every day.

I would especially like to honour the contribution made to WIRE by our Chair Anne Smyth. This willbe Anne’s last term as Chair of the Board. Anne has brought a strength and insight to the work ofthe Board and has been a great support to me over nine years here. Thanks Anne, you will bemissed.

In ending I would like to honour each and every one of you. Thank you once again for the opportunityto lead this rich and fantastic organisation.

Since inception 30 years ago, WIRE is committed to making a differenceto the lives of Victorian women. We would not be able to achieve thiswithout the fantastic support and passion of all our WIRE women, thestaff, the volunteer team, the Board and all the women who share theirstories with us—keeping us in touch with the critical issues women faceevery day.

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CHAIR’smessageAnne Smythe CHAIR WIRE Board of Governance

WIRE’s 30th birthday year has been one of consolidation, achievement and emerging possibilities,not to mention a fantastic celebration. It was such a privilege at our birthday party to acknowledgethe immense contribution so many women have made over so many years—our founding motherswho provided such a superb foundation with WIRE’s feminist framework; our volunteers and staff who continue to do an amazing job in delivering our services; our board who oversees the organisation’s direction and sustainability; our CEO Samiro Douglas who holds it all together; and thewomen whom we serve, and whose stories and needs are at the core of everything we do. My heart-felt thanks to all of you.

It is with a real mix of pleasure and sadness that I write this report. This will be my last as Chair of the WIRE Board of Governance. I am stepping down from the Board at the AGM to make way for newand different ideas and to enable WIRE to remain vital and refreshed. Change and renewal is as important as continuity—it will be hard to let go as WIRE has been an important part of my life for nineyears now but I am confident that the Board, under the leadership of the new Chair will continue togovern WIRE with skill and insight.

Once again I wish to thank our Board for their hard work and ongoing commitment. We are so fortunate to have the oversight of this capable group of women who together with our CEO play such an important role in setting the strategic course for WIRE. Collectively they ensure that this organisation is well governed so that Samiro, the staff and volunteers are supported to do what theydo so well.

Our board and Samiro work as a team, each member bringing their particular roles and diverse expertise to the task. Guided by our feminist framework, all are committed to having the big, robustconversations so crucial for ensuring WIRE navigates its way through the complex and changing environment in which all services operate. They have been an absolute pleasure to work with and Iwill really miss them.

We have said goodbye to Geraldine Allen this year—my thanks for her wonderful contribution asTreasurer. Our well-managed finances are in no small measure a consequence of her expert attentionand guidance. We have welcomed Ingrid Hering who will take on the role of Secretary after the AGMand Wendy Wade our new Treasurer—both have settled into the work with energy and enthusiasm.

I would like to sincerely thank our funders from the Department of Human Services and the Office ofWomen’s Affairs for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Under the leadership of the new Chair and Samiro, I know we can look forward to 2015 and beyond,and continue to make a positive difference to the lives of Victorian women. Our first 30 years haveshown us what is possible, yet as Samiro says in her report, the need for what WIRE offers remainsand the challenges continue. The future calls for what WIRE does so well—listening, inquiring and acting in tried and tested ways, as well as new and creative ones. I look forward to hearing all about it.

It was such a privilege at ourbirthday party to acknowledgethe immense contribution somany women have made overso many years—our foundingmothers who provided such asuperb foundation with WIRE’sfeminist framework; our volunteers and staff who continue to do an amazing job in delivering our services; our board who oversees the organisation’s direction andsustainability.


Listening to each woman’s story and supporting her through WIRE’s TelephoneSupport Service & Women’s Information CentreEvery woman is resourceful and resilient and ultimately the expert in her own life. We support,inform and empower each woman by listening to her story, validating her experience, and providing the relevant information, support and referrals she needs so that she can make informed decisions about her life.

WIRE provides women with confidential information, support and referrals via our

• Telephone Support Service

• Women’s Information Centre

• Email Support Service

• Livechat Support Service

Top 3 reasons given by recent survey respondents about what they found most helpful fromcalling or visiting WIRE were:

1. Having someone take the time to listen to me

2. Getting support so I can feel clearer about my next step

3. Feeling respected and understood.

Since our fledgling women’s phone and referral service was founded in 1984 with only a few volunteers, WIRE has gone from strength to strength supporting, informing and empowering hundreds and thousands of women across Victoria and even interstate, using new mediums and formats. After 30 years we remain strongly grounded in our feminist framework in all the different services and programs we now offer.

Women can also access support and relevant information in other formats at WIRE:

• 20 information sheets and booklets on a range of women’s issues in print and online

• Website with information about our services, programs, volunteering and training opportunities

• Information seminars on women’s topics such as stalking, separation and settlement options,seniors’ rights, depression and superannuation

• Job Coaching sessions

• Computer classes

• Legal clinics, women’s programs and workshops on employment, financial literacy, small business and social media skills

Our Telephone Support Service & Women’s Information CentreLast financial year, WIRE received over 12,000 contacts from women for support, informationand referrals via our statewide telephone support service, our Women’s Information Centrein West Melbourne, our email and Livechat support services, with 98 per cent satisfaction. OurWIRE phone volunteers spent a total of 6,338 hours responding to women calling WIRE to seekassistance; our Women’s Information Centre volunteers spent 3,036 hours assisting our team ofWomen’s Support and Information Workers to provide services and programs.

Empowering women to make

What women say

Thank you for such a caring, empathetic service, a comfortable friendly environmentand lots of useful, non-technical,easy-to-understand pamphlets.

Grateful that WIRE exists. I’ve not experienced a service like it anywherein the world.

TOP 3 REFERRALS GIVEN

• Family violence services

• Legal advice/ Lawyers

• Counsellors

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informed choices in their livesOur Website & Information Booklets Our website received over 64,700 unique web visits and over 175,800 web views. WIRE has 20different information booklets and sheets on a wide range of women’s issues freely availableonline. About 6,000 copies of these information sheets and booklets were distributed upon request to women, community services, universities and organisations in Victoria and even interstate. We also published two new information booklets ‘Stalking’ (December 2013, fundedby the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation) and ‘Money problems with your partner? Dealingwith financial abuse’ (March 2014, funded by the Victoria Law Foundation)

What I love about my work …• Seeing the despair, distress and confusion of women needing support transformed

into calm determination and assurance.

• The variety and dynamism of every day, whether we are supporting women face-to-face, via email or on the phone, or organising programs, workshops andinformation sessions.

Moira DARLING Women’s Support and Information Worker (and past Volunteer)

The lady gave me numbers to try, spent a lot of time with me. She took the time to look up theservices and understand the situation I was in.

I wish a lot more services had the patience and understanding that WIRE has.When you’re going through a very difficult time you need someone else who is calm—it is disheartening when you get rejected and you don’t fit criteria.

The Safety Plan will be huge help to me so I can make a choice to leave.

Helpful, I feel like someone cared, felt likesomeone gave a sh*t if you know what I mean.

NEW Information Booklet: ‘Stalking’

‘It’s my fault.’ ‘Stalkers are usually strangers.’ ‘My ex-partner stalks me because he loves me.’

Myths like this stop women from getting the informationand support they need. Stalking is a crime that affectsone in ten Australian adults with women making up 75per cent of stalking victims. Stalking can be physical aswell as through the use of technology (cyber stalking)and the majority of victims are pursued by someonethey know—very often an ex-partner.

This 12-page information booklet helps women understand what stalking is and learn how to keep safeand deal with a stalking situation. It also dispels somemyths about stalking and why it happens. (December 2013, funded by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation)

What callers say

TELEPHONE SUPPORT SERVICETop 5 Contact Issues

• Family violence 30.77%

• Family relationships22.87%

• Employment/education/Training 12.19%

• Housing 10.88%

• Mental Health 6.5%

Josie’s Story: Getting Support and Being Heard

65-year-old Josie lived in a home she and her female housemate owned. Originallythe sole owner of her home, Josie had been manipulated by her housemate toadd the latter’s name to the title ten years ago. The housemate has become increasingly abusive, controlling and threatening in trying to force Josie to sellthe house. Josie felt fearful but wanted to learn more about her legal rights andprotect her own financial interests when she visited the Women’s InformationCentre. WIRE supported Josie by:

• Naming the abuse that was being perpetrated by her housemate

• Validating her sense of fear and intimidation in the situation

• Affirming her strength of character and resilience that was evident from having lived with the abuse for so long

• Discussing ways for her to increase her personal safety

• Referring Josie to the Seniors Rights Legal Clinic, a property lawyer and theWomen’s Family Violence Crisis Service


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What visitors say:

WOMEN’S INFORMATION CENTRETop 5 Contact Issues

• Employment/Education/Training

• Public Access Computers

• Family & Relationships

• Family violence

• Housing

Building women’s pathways: Supporting and informing them through workshops, programs and events In the last year, WIRE has been offering women in Victoria more programs and events. In additionto regular Job Coaching sessions, Computer Classes and Information Seminars, WIRE started offering women new programs and services many of which were funded through partnershipswith other organisations such as the City of Melbourne, Vocation, Inner Melbourne CommunityLegal, YMCA Docklands, ThoughtWorks staff and Victoria Golf Club. These new programs andservices included the AMICA Women’s Lunch Club, Social Media Classes, Legal Clinics on familylaw, English conversation and craft sessions, job search and career development workshops and yoga.

All these different programs aim to support and empower women with the information, skillsand confidence to find employment and/or housing and be connected to other women and community services. Last year WIRE ran over 280 sessions for various programs and events withover 1,300 attendees.

I love watching women develop their confidence, curiosity and autonomy in using thecomputers. I love seeing the positive effects when isolated women finally get somereal support and understanding in their job search efforts, and how this manifests asrenewed vigour, determination and the increased ability to keep on trying regardlessof the potential for rejection.

Moira DARLING Women’s Support and Information Worker (and past Volunteer)

Programs and Events

Computer ClassesJob CoachingInformation Seminars

Women’s Workshops• ICT: Social Media for Seniors

& Job Ready • Financial Literacy • Women in Small Business • Job Search Skills • Yoga Workshops

Legal ClinicsAMICA Women’s Lunch Club

Attendance

160220111

20

27393178

49639

I’m very satisfied with the service.Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Plus, coffee and cookiesare provided. So this is absolutely a great service.

People with disabilities need to have that feeling of empowerment—the Centre was really good.

I am always welcome, listened to and supported. Thank you for all that.

As always, WIRE was aquiet haven from city bustle. The unhurried, relaxed atmosphere allowed me to work as quickly and effectively as I could. Two questions Ineeded to ask were answered willingly and fully. Others who came inand out were treated withthe same quiet respect.

Sessions

684111

6

545

12

28118

WIRE WOMEN’S INFORMATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014

Kerry’s Story: Rebuilding Self-Confidence

Kerry in her 40s suffered from a chronic illness which prevented her working forthe last 13 years. At WIRE She participated in a six-week ICT course ‘Computer Literate and Job Ready!’ to update her knowledge on Microsoft packages in an effort to re-enter the workforce. She frequented the Women’s Information Centreto use the computers and also attended a ‘Money and You’ workshop. WIRE’ssupportive atmosphere rehabilitated her self-confidence.

For the first time in my life, I feel whole. Despite all the counselling I've had over theyears, my experiences being part of WIRE have actually had a physical, emotionaland spiritual healing that I have not found anywhere else. Coming to WIRE has beenfor me, a life saver as I needed to surround myself with positive women…

I really needed WIRE to help me feel valued and you've all helped me recover inamazing ways, ways I never expected and actually didn't know I needed and thatthey were even a reality for me. I thought I'd be stuck with isolation and people whoeither ignore abuse or, don't and can't see it…

Now I'm owning my strengths… and I am finally feeling ok with who I am and howpowerful I've had to be to get through this life of mine. Thank you all for being herefor me. You've all really helped me more than you can ever know.


AMICA Women’s Lunch Club: Supporting, informing and connecting womenProgram funded by the City of Melbourne

‘Amica’ means female friend in Latin—an apt name for a program that offers women opportunities to make new friends, enjoy activities, relax and chat in a safe, friendly and women-only space. With the success of WIRE’s Homeless Women’s Lunch Program Pilot (April to July 2013), the City of Melbourne has continued to fund WIRE’s newly named AMICA Women’sLunch Club—a program for women experiencing housing issues or homelessness. AMICA Clubaims to connect women to the broader community and improve their sense of wellbeing by providing a safe and supportive environment in which to share a meal, create art and enjoy excursions. The program also connects women to other WIRE programs and services, as well as external community services and agencies.

Over the past year the AMICA Club ran 118 sessions with 639 visits from women from September2013 to June 2014. Participants included women who were new to Melbourne, asylum seekers,those unable to work due to health issues, women who felt isolated and were experiencing housing issues.

Together with AMICA Club’s cheerful and highly organised facilitator Anna Andersson, womenhave gone to the gym and the swimming pool, visited several art galleries and museums, been tothe cinema and even had picnics at the park!

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Empowering women to make informed choices in their lives

I’ve tried many other supportgroups and social groups andthey have not met my needs the way AMICA has. The AMICAClub has increased my confidence as I feel accepted and not judged for having various issues affecting my life.

I also see the positive impacts on other women in the group who have shared with me. Without AMICA I would not have the confidence to thinkabout returning to work and study.

AMICA Club participant


Building Brighter Futures: Training women to be job readyRun by Vocation in partnership with WIRE

Building Brighter Futures is an employment program for women with a disability or chronichealth issue. In February 2014 Vocation partnered with WIRE to run a 17-week women’s employment course at WIRE. The Victorian Training Guarantee funded the course and allowedwomen who fitted the funding criteria to attend for free.

In the space of 17 weeks, the 12 program participants made new friends, learnt about themselvesand job seeking, and grew in confidence as they gained new skills. They shared stories ofcourage, strength and resilience and were encouraged to discuss openly and freely the genderbarriers and issues they faced when seeking and maintaining paid employment. Such allrounded support helped women persevere and move forward with their job search. WIRE hasstarted running a second course in August 2014.

Pam’s Story: Starting Again At 66

At 66, having to go back into the workforce for financial reasons, and with no paperqualifications, I was at a loss to know what jobs might be available to me, or if it waspossible to find a new career path…

I found terrific support from everyone in the group which has made me realise that I’mnot alone, and that we all have strengths, some of which we didn’t realise we had.And the courage other group members have shown encourages me to be braverabout my own choices.

And I’ve acquired an incredible number of job skills—from writing an excellent resume,having practice interviews and writing cover letters, to learning the art of cold-calling,networking and how to find jobs and training opportunities. All these frightened mebefore—now I feel confident in pursuing my goals.

Along the way, I also found what I wanted to do for a living and am actively pursuingtraining courses and work experience. I have stopped panicking about the future (nowI actually feel that I HAVE a future!) and I feel much calmer. Before, I lived in a little fog of anxiety and helplessness. Now I feel I have grown as a person and that I am incharge of my life and my future—and it looks good! All this at MY age! It’s been a trulywonderful experience.


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Women’s legal clinics: Providing legal information and adviceOutreach legal clinics run in partnership with Inner Melbourne Community LegalPro bono legal clinics run in partnership with Nicholes Family Lawyers, Elizabeth Hall(Nevett Ford Lawyers) and Annmarie Farrell (Farrell Family Lawyers)

On Thursday 15 August 2013, WIRE ran its first women’s legal clinic in partnership with InnerMelbourne Community Legal to provide women free advice and assistance in relation to divorce/separation issues (not including property settlements), parenting arrangements, familyviolence, child protection, criminal law, orders related to mental health, and intervention orders.Over the past 12 months, 49 women attended 28 family law legal clinics.

Since July 2014 WIRE has been working in partnership with Nicholes Family Lawyers, ElizabethHall (Nevett Ford Lawyers) and Annmarie Farrell (Farrell Family Lawyers) to run pro bono one-on-one legal clinics that provide free advice and help regarding property and financial settlements.

We also thank Elisa Turco (Farrar Gesini Dunn) for running a pro bono information session ‘FromSeparation to Settlement: your options’ which was very well-attended and received.

What a legal clinic participant said:

Empowering women to make informed choices in their lives

Fantastic support and advice from the legal support


Telephone Support Worker Training CourseLast financial year, 42 women completed WIRE’s accredited Telephone Support Worker TrainingCourse held three times annually in February, June and October. We congratulate these womenfor their great commitment, skills and passion in completing an intensive course which can takeup to six months and includes seven volunteer shifts in the phone service.

Occupying the role of Training Coordinator at WIRE is a privilege. The eight-week telephone worker training course is a rollercoaster ride of ideas, emotion and fun.Starting off as strangers we strap ourselves into the training room and delve, explore, reveal and learn about ourselves as much as we learn about the mechanicsof what goes on in the phone room.

Giving time and energy to providing a transformative experience to the women who do the training course is a great public service that WIRE provides.

I am always encouraged by the large numbers of women who are drawn to the organisation and embrace its feminist politics and philosophy. Here’s to another 30 years.

Libby JAMIESON, Training Coordinator

We also welcome our three new Team Leaders who have taken up the opportunity and responsibility in the last 12 months to lead and support other fellow phone volunteers duringmany four-hour phone shifts.

Team leader training was an amazing and powerful opportunity offered by WIRE! It allowed me to re-energise and re-evaluate my values and ethics around feminismand support, and have such fun doing it.

Every Friday morning was another beautiful morning of coffee, good women andmeaningful, transformational conversation. These chats really helped to extend myskills in supporting women and rallied the feminist principles that we stand for intopractical tools for support.

Thank you to WIRE for the ongoing support they provide to their team and for alwaysoffering women new pathways to take, especially fun ones!

Anastasia COLE, Team Leader

Training women to

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From volunteering to paid employment At WIRE, our volunteers often move on to paid employment within the community sector or furthereducation. They benefit not only from WIRE’s training course, but also the enriching and diverse experiences they gain working at WIRE.

I have had such a rich experience at WIRE. The phone worker training awakened meto the structural inequality that exists on the basis of gender in our society. It helpedme to put words to situations with which I had felt deeply uncomfortable in my ownlife and to change them.

As a Women’s Information and Support Worker I celebrate the uniqueness of thewomen who access the service and expand my professional learning every day. I love being part of a staff team in which our diversity and rich histories are valuedand respected.

Jessica STOTT, Women’s Support and Information Worker (and past Volunteer)

Professional Development Training: Dealingwith challenging phone callsIn 2013/2014 WIRE ran several different professional development workshops for the community sector. Due to popular demand, we ran four ‘Dealing with challenging phone calls’workshops for 68 attendees. The workshops helped phone-based workers to learn how to setboundaries, use different strategies and end calls professionally. The workshops also helpedparticipants understand and manage any stress they may have felt after the call.

WIRE also delivered a workshop on financial abuse in the context of family violence to eight participants from the community sector, and provided five in-service gendered training sessionsto four different organisations.

empower other women

What participants say

Well-delivered—I would certainly recommend it.

I have realised how overwhelmed a caller may be, and that it’s not just a tactic they are using.

Course helped me better understand howto approach calls.

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Initiating new research and informing womenabout financial abuse in family violenceProject funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services

From WIRE’s daily conversations with women, we realised that many women experienced financial abuse but were unaware that this is a form of family violence (2008 Victorian Family Violence legislation).

To address this information gap on financial abuse in the Victorian community, WIRE successfullyinitiated a funding submission to conduct an action research into women’s experiences of financial abuse in the context of family violence in Victoria.Sixty women attended focus groups held in Melbourne andin three regional cities; 145 women completed an anonymousonline survey.

Focus group participants shared information, experiencesand advice, and supported and encouraged one another. Theywere determined to help others avoid financial abuse in their relationships and it is their courage and resourcefulness that inform that recommendations of WIRE’s research report ‘Relationship problems and money: women talk about financialabuse.’

Twelve detailed recommendations were made to the FederalGovernment and State Governments, Centrelink, the Child Support Agency, the Australian Law Reform Commission, theFamily Courts, peak bodies for legal services, as well as generalpractitioners to:

• Address the significant financial, psychological and healthconsequences of financial abuse in the context of family violence on women and their children

• Improve women’s access to support and advice services

Advocating and researching

NEW Information Booklet: ‘Money problems with your partner? Dealing with financial abuse’

‘He controlled the money. I had to account for every cent I spent.’

‘He said I was hopeless with money and that I should trust him.’

‘When we got married I had some savings, a job and a car. The marriage is over and I’ve got nothing.’

‘I don’t care about the money. I just want to feel safe, get away and start again.’

WIRE’s research on women’s experiences of financial abuse also informed the developmentof the information booklet ‘Money problems with your partner: Dealing with financialabuse’. This new information booklet is written in plain English to help women in Victoriabetter understand their experience of financial abuse, and learn ways they can get backcontrol of their money and their lives. Five months since its publication in March 2014,over 1,800 copies of the 2,000 copies printed have been requested by and distributed towomen and organisations across Victoria. (March 2014, funded by the Victoria Law Foundation)

The WIRE financial abuse projectgave me, as the researcher, theprivilege of sharing the personalstories of some remarkablewomen. It is always powerful andmoving when a group of strangerscome together and talk openly andhonestly about their private experiences, and especially in thiscase, where women spoke abouttheir experiences of financial abusein the context of family violence.

Their courage, resilience and resourcefulness in dealing with intensely difficult circumstanceswere inspiring; their humour andgenerosity towards each other andthe project, uplifting. I share theirhope that their stories will raiseawareness of this pervasive issueand bring much needed reform to the systemic problems womenface.

Prue CAMERON, Researcher

Our research revealed that financial abuse continued longafter women had left the relationship, as former partnersused the legal, child support andincome support systems to causeongoing economic hardship andpsychological distress.


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women’s issues

• Increase access to and improve outcomes through the legal system

• Strengthen the responses of the Child Support Agency and Centrelink to financial abuse

WIRE continues to actively advocate the takeup of these recommendations, while raising publicawareness of the issue of financial abuse in the context of family violence. Recently, WIRE CEOSamiro Douglas and Project Researcher Prue Cameron made a submission to and attended theParliamentary Inquiry into the Child Support Program to share their research findings and recommendations.

Putting a spotlight on women’s issuesListening to women’s stories firsthand everyday brings to our attention the issues women in Victoria constantly face, such as family violence, financial abuse, discrimination, barriers topaid employment and equal participation in the workforce, and housing issues. As a feminist organisation, we continually strive to raise public awareness on news and issues affectingwomen and advocate for change through social media, our online publications, media releasesand community radio.

Last financial year, we sent out five media releases, published two biannual HotWIRE newsletters(issues 23 and 24 in December 2013 and May 2014) and emailed 26 fortnightly E-bulletins (issues122 to 147) to over 3,000 subscribers. We also shared hundreds of Facebook posts and tweetson news and events affecting women. As of 30 June 2014, WIRE had 788 Twitter followers (52 per cent increase from the previous financial year) and 906 Likes on Facebook (68.4 per centincrease). WIRE also gave 23 interviews on community radio programs on different women’s issues. Stations included 3CR 855AM, 96.5 Inner FM, 3KND FM, 3WBC 94.1FM, 3ZZZ 92.3 FM, JOY 94.9FM and ABC.

Media CoverageIn the last 12 months, our efforts have paid off with some media coverage on our work supporting individual women who are experiencing family violence, as well as our research on financial abuse in the context of family violence.

• Daily Life (16 February 2014) Digital abuse is the new frontier of domestic violence by Clem Bastow www.dailylife.com.au

• Bendigo Advertiser (28 February 2014) Financial abuse is about power and control by Nicole Ferrie www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au

• Women’s Agenda (19 March 2014) Why financial abuse is a form of domestic violence by Prue Cameron www.womensagenda.com.au

• The Sunday Age (p.12) (27 April 2014) Too few havens for thoseat risk (print)/ The brutal price of domestic violence (online) by John Elder www.theage.com.au

• Daily Life (2 May 2014) Support victims of domestic abuse thisMother’s Day #shinealight www.dailylife.com.au

• Melbourne Leader (p.9) (12 May 2014) Janet’s hardwired tohelp out by Nic Price leader.newspaperdirect.com

• The Seniors (June 2014 issue) WIRE Volunteer Lucille Hughes

MEDIA RELEASES

Financial abuse: the hiddenface of family violence (25 February 2014)

International Women’s Day 2014: No excuses for family violence or murder (5 March 2014)

Let’s not wait until anotherwoman is murdered (23 April 2014)

Celebrating 30 years of volunteers empowering women in Victoria (12 May 2014)

Financial abuse common afterwomen and children leave familyviolence: new research (26 August 2014)

http://www.dailylife.com.au

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au

http://www.womensagenda.com.au

http://www.theage.com.au

http://www.dailylife.com.au


Building WIRE’sindependent capacity

Increasing WIRE’s sustainability is a key part of WIRE’s strategic plan for 2011 – 2014. In the past year WIRE has forged ahead building new partnerships, fundraising in new ways, securing funding and sponsorship for women’s programs and generating revenue from running professional development workshops and external training sessions.

Achievements include:

• Partnering with Vocation to provide a women-only ‘Building Brighter Futures Program’: a 17-week employment course for women experiencing a mental health issue,chronic illness or disability

• Creating and distributing WIRE’s fundraising boxes in retail shops and cafés around Melbourne, which also helped promote WIRE’s services

• Continuing to provide the successful professional development workshops ‘Dealing withchallenging phone calls’

• Securing four years’ additional funding for the AMICA Women’s Lunch Club program.

What I really love about my role as Business Development Manager is that I rarelywork alone and am able to explore possibilities. Any achievement of the Business Development Unit involves teamwork at WIRE. Julie KUN, Business Development Manager

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Our Staff

CEO Samiro Douglas

Business Development Manager Julie Kun

Finance and Administration Coordinator Kate Whiting

Communication Coordinator Mi Fon Lew

Training Coordinator Rebecca Callahan (Left Dec 2013)

Trainer Jean Russell (Jan 2014 – May 2014)

Training Coordinator Libby Jamieson (From May 2014)

Service Delivery Coordinator Sheridon Bryne (Left May 2014)

Telephone Service Coordinator Sally Marsden (From May 2014)

Women’s Support & Information Workers:

Sally Marsden (July 2013 – May 2014)

Shannon Schultz

Moira Darling

Jessica Stott (from June 2013)

Anastasia Cole (WIC/ SDC relief)

Sayo Fujita (WIC relief)

Tyrell Heathcote (WIC relief)

AMICA Women’s Lunch Club Facilitator Anna Andersson

Researcher Prue Cameron (Sept 2013 – Aug 2014)


Our Board

Anne Smyth(CHAIR)

Anne is an organisationalconsultant, educator and researcher in the fields ofmanagement and leadershipcapability development,change and transition, organisational governance,coaching/mentoring and social research. She has apassionate commitment tosupporting the work of thehealth and community sectors and the many wonderful people and organisations that work sohard to strengthen our community. She is especiallycommitted to supportingwomen to flourish and beable to take charge of theirlives.

Ingrid Wilson(DEPUTY CHAIR)

Ingrid joined the Board in2010 and was appointedDeputy Chair in 2011. With a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Criminology anda Postgraduate Diploma inLaw, Ingrid has over 15years' experience in policyand management roles ingovernment in Australia(Federal and State) and inthe UK (local government),and more recently in thenot-for-profit sector. She hasa strong interest in women'sissues and has previousboard experience on theBoard of the Women's Environmental Network inthe UK. She is currently undertaking a PhD full-timeon preventing violenceagainst women with the Judith Lumley Centre, LaTrobe University. Ingrid hastwo school-age daughters.

Wendy Wade(TREASURER)

Wendy joined the board in2014 taking on the role ofTreasurer. She is a charteredaccountant with over 30years’ experience in bothpublic, private and not-for-profit sectors. Whilst in theUK she was the auditor forsome women’s charities,and has a keen interest innot-for-profit accounting andwomen’s issues. She movedto Australia six years agoand is currently an associatedirector in managementconsultancy for a major accounting firm, where shespecialises in advising government. Wendy hasfour adult children, three ofwhom are still living in the UK.

Amy Cato(SECRETARY AND PUBLIC OFFICER)

Amy joined the board inJune 2010 and became Secretary and Public Officerin 2011. Amy is the ManagingDirector of ExecutiveWomen Shortlists, a nationalsearch firm dedicated to facilitating talented FemaleExecutives into Top 200 ASXcompanies. Amy has writtenfor several online publicationsduring her thirteen years’agency experience and is afrequent guest speaker. She is also a Director for theAustralian Quadriplegic'sAssociation, and aspokesperson for MackillopFamily Services Campaignsdue to her participation as a respite foster carer.

Nicole Lynch

Nicole joined the Board inSeptember 2010. She worksin education policy with experience in early childhood, school, vocational and higher education sectors, includingon Commonwealth-State relations issues. She has abackground in employmentand industrial relations lawand is experienced in communications training.Her partner Tim and theircat Frankie are also passionate supporters of WIRE.

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Catherine Robson

Catherine Robson joined theBoard in June 2013. She isthe CEO of financial planningfirm Affinity Private. As themother of two primaryschool-aged children,Catherine is passionateabout helping Australianwomen achieve economicempowerment and takeleadership roles in creatingsustainable work practices.Catherine is also on theboard of Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited.

Sarah Nieuwenhuysen

Sarah joined the Board inJune 2013. She has a law degree and spent nine yearsin private practice beforejoining the public service,where she has held policyand management roles.Sarah is currently the executive manager at Victoria Legal Aid.

Ingrid Hering

Ingrid joined the Board in2014. She has extensive experience in social marketing, journalism and international development,with a particular interest ingender issues within an international developmentcontext. She has been involved with NGOs, mediaand the public sector in Australia, the UK and Indonesia.

Pauline Taylor

Pauline joined the Board in2011. She is an independentFinance and Economics Consultant who is committed to helpingwomen better understandand manage their finances.She delivers webinars, seminars and workshops on financial management for women, particularly on superannuation and retire-ment planning. Prior to thisPauline was a Senior Adviser with the VictorianGovernment and a businessconsultant.

Ronniet Milliken

Ronniet joined the Board in October 2009. She hasbroad experience as in-house legal counsel, company secretary andboard of management rolesacross the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. In her leadershiproles Ronniet has demonstrated her interest inand passion for equal opportunities for women,childcare expenses, eldercare and financial literacy forwomen of all ages, as well asorganisational sustainability,strategy and governance.

Lori Boys

Lori joined the Board in June 2013. She has considerable experience instrategic planning, project management, systems development and implementation, and coaching and leadership.With an extensive background in all aspects ofWorkers’ Compensation, Injury Management, Healthand Safety and people management she has a realpassion for helping people.


2014 marks 30 years of WIRE volunteers supporting and empowering women in Victoria. WIRE,like many community services around Australia, is only able to offer women quality services andprograms thanks to the dedication, skills and passion of our volunteers: phone support volunteers,Women’s Information Centre volunteers, computer tutors, job coaches, seminar presenters,lawyers who run legal clinics pro bono, administrative and IT volunteers, board members andeven a handywoman who provides free monthly office maintenance!

Last year, 65 WIRE Phone Support Volunteers spent 6338 hours of their time (equivalent of 3.2full-time paid positions and $230,000 worth of service delivery) informing, supporting and givingreferrals to over 12,000 women across Victoria on issues including family violence and relationshipdifficulties, finding work or training options, housing and mental health. Volunteers in theWomen’s Information Centre also worked a total of 3,036 hours (1.6 full-time paid positions) assisting with women’s programs and administrative tasks.

Besides offering volunteers rewarding experiences which often lead to employment and furthereducation, working with volunteers allows WIRE to continue running a community service forwomen by women!

The WIRE phone room was a busy place this year. Over the course of the year, we had a large number of women keen to volunteer in the phone room. They joined our incredibly dedicated, skilled and enthusiastic group of volunteer phone workers. Our volunteer trainees, phone workers and team leaders have been increasingly busy taking calls, especially crisis calls. We thank all our WIRE volunteers for unique service that they provide to women in Victoria. WIRE women are truly amazing! Sally MARSDEN, Telephone Service Coordinator (and past Volunteer)

I love that I can transform distressed women in often confronting, difficult situations into calmer, hopeful and usually very grateful people, using the resources, learned skills and constant support that WIRE offers.Megan, WIRE Volunteer

WIRE Volunteers

Telephone Service Volunteer Team

Telephone Service Shifts 249

Phone Worker hours 5,368

Team Leader hours 1,020

Total Volunteer hours (3.2 FTE) 6,338

Women’s Information Centre Volunteer Team

Number of volunteers 20

Number of shifts 195

Total Volunteer hours 478

Our Volunteers, Members

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Adriana Vargas Saenz

Alice Parlitsos

Ally Moloney

Angela Sorotos

Anita Thomasson

Danielle Lintern

Elena Leddra

Elysa Whelan

Emma Menkinoska

Felicity Ellis

Heather Smith

Irene Hudspith

Ivana De Simone

Jane Webb

Jenna Reedyk

Jenny Lovell

Joanne Baker

Julie Harper

Karen Tanfield

Kristal Allison

Lainy Collins

Lana Battaglia

Louise Bourke

Lucille Hughes

Maria Perta

Mary Bryan

Megan Rule

Montserrat Medina

Natalia Sopelario

Nava Serra

Nginder Kaur

Nina Jankelson

Paige Foletta

Philippa Wilson

Rachel Boyce

Rebecca Lui

Rhianne Cork

Samara Hackett

Ronnit Schreiber

Sarah Abbas

Vicki Olsen

Yoke Fausten

Anastasia Cole

Elizabeth Maddison

Janet Le Cornu

Jessica Stott

Jill McDonald

Kate Volard

Leah Zelencich

Sayo Fujita

Tyrell Heathcote

Anastasia Cole

Anna Potenza

Lucille Hughes

Natalia Sopelario

Computer Tutor

Rosemary Landau

Job Coaches

Amariah Berechiah

Amy Cato

Belinda Cerritelli

Felicity Mclaughlin

Linda Kearney

Raelene Campbell

Anna Parker (Nicholes FamilyLawyers)

Carolyn Ingvarson

Drummond Street Services

Elisa Turco (Farrar Gesini Dunn)

Katrina Bristow (Mckean ParkLawyers)

Linda Kirkman

Louise Bourchier

Assoc. Professor Rosemary

Purcell (Centre for ForensicBehavioural Science,Swinburne University)

Seniors Rights Victoria

Anh Vu

Jae Kwon

Maritza Burgos

Michael Clifford Rui

William Greig

Adam Mile (IT)

Bronwen James (Handywoman)

David Nissen (IT)

Jean Ward (Yoga)

PhoneVolunteers

SeminarPresenters

Women’sInformation CentreVolunteers

Team Leaders StudentPlacements

OtherVolunteers

and Supporters

ALL PERSONS NAMED HERE HAVE GIVEN WRITTEN PERMISSION TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT.


Core FundingDepartment of Human Services–Children, Youth and Families Division

WIRE Women’s Information’s Telephone Support Service and Women’s Information Centre are supported by the Victorian State Government

WIRE Donors andMembers

Our sincere thanks to allwho have donated to WIRE,and to all who helped raise$2,415 for our 2014 WIREAppeal: Empower aWoman Today. All monieswill go towards WIRE’s programs and services tohelp make a difference in the lives of women in Victoria. We also thankWIRE members for your continued support and encouragement!

Our Funders, Donors

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Project funding, partnerships and sponsorsAnnmarie Farrell (Farrell Family Lawyers) for running pro bono legal clinics on property andfinancial law

City of Melbourne for funding the AMICA Women’s Lunch Club

Commonwealth Government Department of Social Services for funding the action researchproject ‘Financial Abuse in the Context of Family Violence Empowering and Informing Women’and the research report ‘Relationships and money: women talk about financial abuse’

Digger’s Club and LUSH for gifts to volunteers during National Volunteer Week

Drills and Frills for providing monthly office maintenance and handywoman work

Commonwealth Government Department of Social Services in conjunction with NEC Australiafor providing new computers for Broadband for Seniors program

Elizabeth Hall (Nevett Ford Lawyers) for running pro bono legal clinics on property and financiallaw

Inner Melbourne Community Legal for running outreach family law legal clinics

Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation for funding the update and printing of information booklet‘Stalking’

Nicholes Family Lawyers for sponsoring our information seminars (July 2013-June 2014) andrunning pro bono legal clinics on property and financial law

State Library of Victoria for providing a Community ICT Skills Grant for ICT workshops

ThoughtWorks staff for funding our asylum seeker computer classes

Victoria Golf Club for funding our employment workshops for women

Victoria Law Foundation for funding the development and printing of information booklet‘Money problems with your partner? Dealing with financial abuse’

YMCA Docklands and YMCA Open Doors for funding the Yoga and Women workshops.

WIRE’s 30th BirthdayFundraising Musical: Velvet Addiction

Many thanks to performers Natasha York,Scott Hollingsworth andMatthew Hadgraft, Shhhhh! Productions andLa Mama Theatre for generously donating theirtime, theatre and allmonies raised for WIRE’s30th birthday fundraiser.

and Sponsors


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Become part of ourWIRE communityBecome a WIRE member Show your support for WIRE by becoming a member. It only costs $50 or $25 (concession) per year tojoin. You will receive our biannual HotWIRE, fortnightly e-bulletins and invitations to WIRE events includingthe Annual General Meeting and launches. Join online www.wire.org.au/get-involved/membership/ or call (03) 9348 9416 (Option 6).

Volunteer

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If you are over 21 years old with goodcommunication skills and are open todiversity, you might like to volunteer in our phone service and Women’s Information Centre. You need to complete our training and be able tocommit to a four-hour shift (during business hours) per week for at least a year. Call 1300 134 130 for more information and to register your interest.

You can also volunteer in other ways at WIRE:

• Join our governance board

• Offer your professional services to us

• Share your professional expertise byhelping to run WIRE programs or presenting seminars or workshopsfor women

• Help with administrative tasks in theWomen’s Information Centre and/orthe office.

Interested? Simply call (03) 9348 9416(Option 6) to discuss the possibilities,or email your details and area of interest to [email protected]

Are you a professional?

Apply to be added to WIRE’s professional register. Many women who contact WIRE are looking for a femaledoctor, lawyer, counsellor or other professionals to support them. For this reason, we are always lookingto add to our register of femalepractitioners.

If you would like to register, you canfind information and forms atwww.wire.org.au/get-involved/professionalsregister/under ‘Get Involved’ or call (03) 9348 9416 (Option 2) tofind out more. While there is no set registration fee, your donation wouldbe greatly appreciated.

Sponsor us

Contact us

Your organisation can play an importantpart by sponsoring and supporting oneof our many women’s programs, publications and projects, such as theprinting of information booklets, running our public education and training programs, improving our facilities such as helping to equipWIRE’s training room, and undertakingresearch and advocacy.

To find out more about sponsoring anaspect of WIRE’s work, please contactJulie Kun on (03) 9348 9416 (Option 8)or email [email protected].


Telephone Support Service 1300 134 130 Women’s Information Centre

372 Spencer Street, West Melbourne 3003

Email support [email protected] Visit or chat online www.wire.org.au

For administrative matters, email [email protected] OR call 9348 9416 (Option 6)

www.facebook.com/wirewomensinformation

twitter.com/wirewomensinfo

http://www.wire.org.au/get-involved/membership/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.wire.org.au/



http://www.wire.org.au


http://www.facebook.com/wirewomensinformation


WIREANNUALREPORT2014

WIRE is the only independent state-wide generalistinformation service run for women by women inVictoria. We receive funding from the Victorian StateGovernment to provide our Telephone SupportService and Women’s Information Centre but wealso rely heavily on grants and donations from organisations and individuals to help us extend our services and programs, and spread the wordabout WIRE.

Donate online at www.givenow.com.au/WIRE

• Become a monthly donor: For as little as $10 a month—that’s less than the cost of a coffee a week—you can help WIRE support otherwomen in Victoria. It’s quick, easy to manage and you can cease your monthly donation at anytime. All monthly donations above $2.00 are taxdeductible as well.

• Make a one-off donation: Prefer to make justone donation for now? Sure, that’s great too!

All donations big and small will certainly help WIREmake a difference in other women’s lives. Andyou’re always welcome to donate again down the track.

You can also donate by calling Kate Whiting on (03) 9348 9416 (Option 6).

Thank you!

Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Inc. is a registered Public Benevolent Institution. All donationsabove $2.00 to WIRE are tax deductible under section 78(4)of the Income Tax Assessment Act (1936).

DONATE

CreditsEDITOR Mi Fon Lew

WIRE Communication CoordinatorDESIGN & PRODUCTION

Lin Tobias LA BELLA DESIGN& Lorna Hendry TEXT & TYPE

PRINT Impact Digital, Brunswickon 100% recycled Australian made papers

EDITION 100 units November 2014

Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Inc.Reg. No. A122 ABN 98 957 157 895WIRE Women’s Information ©2014

http://www.givenow.com.au/WIRE

Documents

WIRE Women's Information Annual Report 2014