Council has joined the Domestic Violence (DV) Safe Phone Program as a phone collection partner. This program provides safe mobile phones to people experiencing domestic violence across Australia.
A mobile phone is often one of the first things taken or monitored by someone using violence. Without a safe phone, it can be hard to contact police, support services, family or friends. Having a secure phone can help people stay safe and get help when they need it.
So far, the program has provided more than 17,000 phones, thanks to donations from over 1,500 collection partners nationwide.
Mayor Kate Kendall said this program offers the community a simple way to help.
"This partnership enables our community to support people in need while also reducing waste. Donating your old phone is small, but it can make a big difference."
"Our Resource Recovery Facilities are trusted places people already use. By adding secure drop-off points, we are making it easier for people to help in a practical way. Every donation goes to people and families in crisis," she said
How to donate:
You can donate old mobile phones at any time of the year.
Before donating:
- Unlock, sign out and factory reset your phone
- Make sure it works and is not damaged
- Check it is compatible (iPhone 6 or newer, or most Android phones with 4G or higher)
Phones that cannot be used will be recycled via Council's e-waste program.
You can drop phones into the collection bins located at:
- Gisborne: Council Administration Centre, 40 Robertson Street
- Woodend: Resource Recovery Facility, 149 Quarry Road
- Kyneton: Council Administration Centre, 129 Mollison Street
- Kyneton: Resource Recovery Facility, 140 Redesdale Road
- Romsey: Romsey Hub, 96-100 Main Street
- Romsey: Resource Recovery Facility, 21 Johnston Court
Council is committed to preventing violence and supporting the community.
Local support services can also register to receive phones for people they are helping.
For more information, visit www.dvsafephone.org
