Great Success for Fields of Spring Fundraiser

The Greater Springfield community turned out in force on Sunday, 8 September to support a very successful ‘Fields of Spring High Tea and Fashion Show’ organised by our local Rotary group and raising over $4000 in support of the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC).

In a new initiative, Greater Springfield Rotary organised an inaugural annual High Tea and Fashion Show Fundraiser, and on this occasion partnered with the DVAC to raise much need funds in aid of DVAC’s work in supporting victims and families in need.

 

The DVAC is a community-based organisation committed to working towards the elimination of domestic violence throughout the community, and safety of women and children is their paramount concern. In carrying out this important work, the DVAC aim to provide services that are accountable, person centred, and professional. Services include, crisis support, counselling, court support, safety planning and upgrades, information, advice and referrals, and group work for women, children and young people. Additionally, community and public education, awareness raising campaigns and training for professionals, are also important roles that they perform. 

 

During the Fields of Spring event, Dawn Osbourne, DVAC Coordinator, gave a short but very sobering talk about the nature of domestic violence and its presence within our community, and a second presentation from Kath Manby, from V M Lawers, highlighted how it is possible to break free from Domestic Violence and rebuild a new and fulfilling life.  While the work of the DVAC is extensive, the initial immediate support to victims and their children, often requires emergency accommodation and essential care packages, just to get them safely settled. Funds for this are not always available, hence the importance of the Fields of Spring fundraiser.

 

While Rotary is honoured to have organised this fundraiser, the success of the event would not have been possible without the generous support of the community in making donations, collecting pre-loved handbags, and coming along on the day.  

 

We would specifically like to thank our many sponsors, including in alphabetical order: