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Volunteer with us

Volunteering in 2018 might open your eyes to how much you can achieve with a little commitment. Our volunteers make a meaningful contribution and are an essential part of our organisation.

By becoming a volunteer and supporting McAuley Community Services for Women, you will form part of a team working to help women and children have safer, brighter lives, while also gaining a unique and valuable personal experience. 

We have a wide range of opportunities for people who can spare three to four hours a week or fortnightly. We can accommodate business/school hours, weekends, and after hours. 

Let’s discuss your interests and availability and see how they match our program needs.

Learn more about:

How to register

If you have some time, and believe you could support the work of McAuley Community Services for Women as a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Program Coordinator, Kathriye Strassnick either by email: KStrassnick@mcauleycsw.org.au or by phone: (03) 9362 8900            

You can also register your interest by submitting a volunteer enquiry form below.  

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McAuley Community Services for Women advocates for change to ensure justice and equality for women and their children
About Us
McAuley Community Services for Women advocates for change to ensure justice and equality for women and their children.

McAuley's Future 'Strengthened'
Sr Kath Tierney was Congregational Leader in 2008 when the Sisters of Mercy decided to amalgamate Mercy Care and Regina Coeli, to form McAuley Community Services for Women. Today, as Treasurer of McAuley’s Board Kath is instrumental in the ongoing development of the specialist service. Read more

McAuley Community Services for Women is building a future from the founding spirit of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.

In 2016-2017, 742 women and children were directly supported through McAuley Programs. Read more about our work in our Annual Report.

Sisters of Mercy Take A Chance
Six years ago the Sisters of Mercy took a risk. It was considered and planned, but a risk nonetheless. They decided to bring together Regina Coeli and Mercy Care to establish McAuley Community Services for Women. Regina Coeli became McAuley House and Mercy Care became McAuley Care. Read more

Mission and Values

In 2016-2017 we supported 742 women and their children to rebuild their lives and have safer, brighter futures. You can read more about our work in our Annual Report.

McAuley Community Services for Women is committed to advocate for a better, safer and just society.

We are accredited through Quality Improvement and Community Services Accreditation in Victoria, most recently in 2015.



 

Our Voice Must Be Heard
Our CEO Jocelyn Bignold reviews our achievements in 2016-2017 and highlights that there is still much more to do. Read more

About Us
McAuley Community Services for Women advocates for change to ensure justice and equality for women and their children.

Pebbles Proves Pets are Great Therapy
Pebbles, a border terrier with big fluffy ears, knows all about being loved and hugged, thanks to a special partnership between Lort Smith Animal Hospital and McAuley House. Read more

Partnerships
McAuley Community Services for Women advocates for change to ensure justice and equality for women and their children.

 

Careers

People who work with us make a big difference to the lives of women who've experienced family violence and homelessness. Read about some of our staff:

Building women’s futures

At McAuley, we provide much needed services for women and their children who are escaping family violence, and for women who are homeless.
Read more

In the case of emergency please call

POLICE 000

To access crisis accommodation call Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service 1800 015 188 1800 Respect

McAuley helped Melanie rebuild her life

The moment Melanie closed the door behind her, she felt her world fall apart.
Read more
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McAuley House enjoys a magical weekend away

McAuley House residents recently enjoyed an overnight trip to Apollo Bay.
Read more

A happy birthday every month

Celebrating important life events is one of the many ways McAuley House supports residents.
Read more

Assisting infants and their mothers affected by family violence

A free comprehensive resource is now available to help support traumatised infants and their mothers.
Read more
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Family violence can affect anyone in the community

Family violence is indiscriminate - it affects people of all ages, from all socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Read more
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A new job helps Amber turn her life around

Read about how Amber, a young mum who has faced many life challenges, is now thriving in a new job which has boosted her confidence and self-esteem as well as bringing her new friends.
Read more

Employment helped Fiona start a new life with her baby daughter

Fiona was caught in a devastating cycle.
Read more

The high price of family violence on Australian businesses

After enduring three years of abuse from her husband, Lisa's work was suffering.
Read more

Help create brighter futures for women

McAuley Works is seeking employers to assist women returning to work by providing flexible employment opportunities.
Read more
"When I escaped from my violent husband, I lost everything. Thanks to McAuley, I now have a home, a job, a future..."

Building women’s futures

At McAuley, we provide much needed services for women and their children who are escaping family violence, and for women who are homeless.
Read more

McAuley Care welcomes traumatised women and children 24/7

Amanda and her two children arrived at McAuley Care at one o'clock in the morning.
Read more

2016 / 2017 Statistics

186              
women

 

204              
children

 
 

10  
women returned home safely 

 

17              
Indigenous women
and children

 

27              
pregnant women or with new born

 

131
women with
mental health issues

 

70 women without
permanent residency

 

78 women who said
perpetrators used ICE

 

81 women who
were awarded an
Intervention Order

 
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2016 / 2017 Statistics

29 were from culturally
and linguistically
diverse backgrounds

 

3 used our
respite service

 

30 were involved
in our Women In
Communities service

 

81% had been
diagnosed with a
mental illness

 

72% had experienced
family violence

 

100% were homeless

 

2016 / 2017 Statistics

53 women

 
 

4 women found
employment during
the year

 
 

 

34 aged 25-45; 14 aged 45-60;  3 aged under 25 years

 

These statistics for McAuley Works are from December 2016 to June 2017

 

 
McAuley is only 54% government funded - therefore we rely heavily on the ongoing and generous support of the community

The impact of your incredible support

Thanks to your amazing support, we were able to assist 650 women and children during the 2011/2012 financial year.
Read more

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Donate Now
McAuley is only 54% government funded - therefore we rely heavily on the ongoing and generous support of the community

   

 

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McAuley is only 54% government funded - therefore we rely heavily on the ongoing and generous support of the community

The impact of your incredible support

Thanks to your amazing support, we were able to assist 588 women and children during the 2012/2013 year.
Read more
Invite us to Speak

"Your presentation to our Year 10s helped them to understand the issues of family violence and homelessness, and why it’s so important to support your cause." Angela Heydon, Mercy College Coburg

"My monthly gifts provide immediate and direct assistance to vulnerable women and children."

Joanna, 32

Monthly giving makes a lasting difference

"I was shocked to learn that one in three women will experience family violence," Joanna, one of our loyal monthly donors, says.
Read more
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"I've remembered McAuley in my Will. It's my way of leaving a gift for generations to come." 

Andrea, 65

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"Sacred Heart College Geelong is delighted to support McAuley through workplace giving. It's a simple and convenient way to support a cause we are passionate about." Sharon Gillett, Deputy Principal

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"I can’t thank you enough for helping Oliver and me in this time of desperation and sadness."

McAuley’s refuges – a place to call home

In our refuges, families usually stay for an average of four nights and during this time, they are also provided with meals, clothing and toiletries.
Read more
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Feels Like Home to Shiara
Shiara started running a long time ago. She started running from an abusive father when she was a young woman and it has been hard to stop, and to call somewhere home.
Read more

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