Victoria’s Australian of the Year 2014 and the latest recipient of the Pride of Australia’s national Courage Medal, Rosie Batty, is continuing her fight against domestic violence.
At the Town Hall in Melbourne, Victoria, she recently revealed the latest initiative, called the Rapid Housing Support programme, to assist children and women in finding safe accommodation away from family violence.
The mother of 11-year-old Luke Batty, who lost his life after a domestic violence incident in February 2014, has become a public campaigner since his death.
The programme was made possible by the partnership of Homeground, a not-for-profit organisation, and realestate.com.au.
Realestate.com.au will kick start the initiative by establishing a Rapid Housing Response Fund with a contribution of $1m during the first 12 months. Over the next three years, the major firm will inject a total of $3m.
The aim is to ensure women and kids seeking to escape violence in their homes are able to find permanent and affordable alternatives.
Batty has worked to achieve positive results for others who face domestic violence, especially at the community level, where brochure and flyer printing of her guest speaking roles continue to be circulated to residents.
When accepting her Pride of Australia medal – which celebrates the nation’s unsung heroes –last month, she explained how humbled she was to receive the honour.
