Womens refuge honoured in Glebe

A lane in Glebe was named in honour of Australia’s first women’s refuge for victims of domestic violence.

On Monday, Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP unveiled Elsie Walk.

Located adjacent to Glebe Public School, the unveiling was a family affair which paid homage to the founders of Elsie Refuge for Women and Children.

The original centre was set up in 1974 after feminist activists squatted in a housing commission property in response to the lack of support and service available to women who suffered from domestic violence.

“As well as unveiling the name, we want to thank all the women who bought this shameful secret [of cases of domestic violence] to light to provide a safe haven for women and children,” Ms Moore said.

Anne Summers, one of the founders, said: “Six of us wanted to start a refuge and had to find premises.

Property developers wouldn’t grant us a space, so we found a house in Glebe, smashed the window with a rock and took up squatters rights.

Then, we noticed the house next door was in pretty good shape and took that over too.”

Until funding from the Whitlam Government, The Elsie Refuge relied on volunteers and handouts from the local community.

Ms Summers reminded the audience that the Elsie Refuge, which has since relocated to a different, confidential site in Glebe, is still working hard today.

“It took three days for the first woman to turn up and it’s been full ever since. Women who run Elsie today are the ones who should receive thanks,” she said.

Assistant Manager at the refuge, Hazell Cowen, said: “We’re very proud Elsie Walk will be a constant reminder of the tireless work we do to help women become aware of their rights, and empower them to live independently, free from violence and abuse.”

In the past 12 months, the refuge has helped approximately 300 people.

In her speech, Ms Moore also thanked The Glebe Community Action Group for proposing the name for the walkway.

Chair of the community group, Jocelyn Earl said: “Elsie Walk gives an identity to a laneway without a name, a reminder of a significant event in our history and a new space for people to stop and reflect on women’s rights.”

The location of the refuge can be found through referral, by calling The Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 65 64 63.