More than 70 organisations providing legal advice or domestic violence support have
now been awarded $4.45 million in grants to modernise and expand their operations.
A total of $2.06 million has been granted to 44 organisations that provide family and domestic violence services, while 28 groups, which deliver legal services, will receive $2.39 million in total.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the funding would enable services to deliver critical support to people in need across the state.
"This initiative will help these charities and not-for-profits increase capacity, provide better digital service delivery, and enhance remote working options," Mr Speakman said.
"It will help future-proof their operations and enable them to remain efficient, effective and viable so they can continue their invaluable work to support domestic violence victim-survivors.
"The NSW Government is committed to helping those in need to end the scourge of domestic violence, and by ensuring these services are equipped with the right resources and capabilities, we know these grants will add long term value to services and in turn benefit those they support."
The funding comes from the NSW Government's $50 million Social Sector Transformation Fund (SSTF) announced in the 2020-21 State Budget.
Hundreds of small and medium-sized organisations have been awarded grants under the SSTF since March this year, which have been announced as part of three funding tranches. Of these, 72 support domestic violence victim-survivors or provide legal services to people in need.
Justice Connect, which provides legal help to individuals and not-for-profit community organisations, was awarded $1 million under tranche three. The funds will go towards legal assistance for community organisations to help staff and volunteers understand the law, prevent legal problems and increase efficiency.
Several organisations, which provide support to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, were awarded grants of $90,000 each.
Carrie's Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services and Bonnie Support Services were among the organisations to receive $90,000 each, which includes $50,000 from the second tranche of SSTF funding first announced last month, as well as $40,000 in the first tranche.
Carrie's Place CEO Jayne Clowes said the money could not have come at a more opportune time.
"Our laptops and tech were all in urgent need of being upgraded and, now, because of the necessity for working remotely, it is especially important. The grant will enable our workers to have far greater flexibility to deliver our services," Ms Clowes said.
Bonnie Support Services Executive Officer Tracy Phillips said the funding will improve the way the organisation operates.
"It will enhance our digital and social media strategy and enable us to reach out so that a lot of new people will be able to access our services," Ms Phillips said.
Download media release: Support for legal and domestic violence groups PDF, 134.91 KB
