Crisis centre reflects on past year

For the past 15 years, Newcastle Crisis Centre has been a place of safety for victims of abuse.

Mary Dobbie, centre director, said it would not have been possible without community support.

During the centre’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Thursday evening, Mrs Dobbie thanked the community and the centre’s regular sponsors for their continuous assistance.

Apart from being a place of safety for abuse victims, Mrs Dobbie explained it was important to create awareness within the community regarding social ills.

With this in mind, the crisis centre held workshops throughout the year, focusing on trauma counselling and awareness campaigns regarding gender-based abuse and violence. As social network became more popular among the youth, a workshop about the dangers of social networks was also held.

“During child protection week, we reached two schools and informed the children about gender-based violence and the rights of a child,” Mrs Dobbie explained.

Chris Erasmus, treasurer for the centre, said while the financial reports were not complete, the centre’s funds were healthy. “The report will be ready in two

weeks time if anyone would like to view them.”

Although financially stable, the crisis centre was in dire need of a vehicle and staff relied heavily on committee members when a vehicle was needed. “We are really praying hard for a vehicle,” Mrs Dobbie wished.

Penny Singh was elected as chairperson for the next year after the post had become vacant with the tragic passing of the previous chairperson, George Dobbie.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with committee members looking forward to a prosperous year.