Sunshine Coast Council has this year donated 100 iPhones to local organisation DV Safe Phone to help mobilise support for domestic and family violence victims in need.
It comes as Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson announced customer contact centres located in Caloundra and Nambour would also be a collection point for the Sunshine Coast community who also wish to donate their working, unused mobile phones to those in need.
Mayor Jamieson said he was proud to see council support Sunshine Coast based DV Safe Phone, which had gone from strength to strength since launching in April 2020.
"Council wiped and donated 49 phones earlier this year and today donated the remaining 51 through end-of-lease phones as they became available," Mayor Jamieson said.
"It's a simple concept and one almost all of us can contribute to by getting an old, unused mobile phone out of the bottom drawer or desk and giving them to someone who really needs it.
"In the past year alone, Sunshine Coast police attendances at domestic violence incidents have increased from 3000 to 4000 which is a truly alarming statistic and a situation that is extremely distressing for everyone involved.
"This Friday (December 10) marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence but we cannot let that stop us spreading the crucial message that our community must have zero tolerance towards domestic and family violence."
Ashton Wood from DV Safe Phone said local governments, businesses and the community had donated more than 3500 mobile phones to date.
"The support we have received has been incredible and it's great to see Sunshine Coast Council continue to back this initiative," Mr Wood said.
"Domestic violence has no gender and no age limit. This is why we are committed to helping all victims without prejudice or bias.
"This fabulous support from Sunshine Coast Council is timely, as we call for phones and donations in the lead up to Christmas. It's a time when we know victims need these safe phones the most.
"Thank you. By working together in partnership with our community, we can help domestic violence survivors have a brighter future."
