Our Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (IMC) operation in New South Wales, Australia, has donated A$250,000 to the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre (IWHC) to support the establishment of Australia’s first women’s trauma recovery centre.

IMC is the foundational corporate partner for the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, a community-led project, co-designed with women who have lived experience of domestic, family and sexual violence, professional experts, and service providers. The centre is being established by IWHC and will offer face-to-face support services in a safe place, using a case management approach for women who have experienced trauma through domestic, family and sexual violence.

IMC’s funding will help the centre employ its first staff and continue the work needed to kick off its services.

IMC Vice President Operations Peter Baker said: “At South32, we have worked with our communities to raise much-needed awareness of gender-based violence and taken steps to prevent it. We are proud to partner with the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and provide resources to help support the creation of Australia’s first domestic violence trauma recovery centre.”

“The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre will carry out important work in our community, supporting women and girls as they recover from domestic violence, which sadly remains far too common in our communities.”

IWHC General Manager Sally Stevenson AM said the extra funds showed the strong community support for the project.

“South32’s foundation partnership significantly increases our region’s investment in trauma recovery services for survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence,” Sally said.

“We thank South32 for recognising the crucial role the Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre will play in supporting women to heal from the trauma that is caused by men’s violence and look forward to working with South32 as a foundational corporate partner of this innovative new model of care.”

Pictured: Illawarra Women’s Health Centre General Manager, Sally Stevenson AM, IMC Vice President Operations, Peter Baker, and Illawarra Women’s Health Centre Chairwoman, Judy Daunt