Women’s support network gets Supercars boost

A second charity that helps women in need has been made a City of Newcastle charity partner for the 2019 Newcastle 500.

The City’s third, annual Supercars function for community and business leaders will help raise money and awareness for Nova for Women and Children, a charity that assists women and children escaping domestic and family violence, at risk of homelessness, or currently experiencing it.

GYBS founder Mel Histon (left) with Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Nova for Women and Children CEO Kelly Hansen.

‘Nova’ joins Got Your Back Sista as the second beneficiary of Saturday’s charity auction at Fort Scratchley, which will be followed by International White Ribbon Day on Monday.

“We’re delighted to be able to leverage this year’s event to help another wonderful charity that helps vulnerable women,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

“Nova for Women and Children and Got Your Back Sista are charity organisations that are there for women and children at a time when they most need support.

“The past two events have also coincided with White Ribbon Day, so through this function we’re maintaining and bolstering support for a cause that no one can argue with – campaigning against the disturbing, ongoing incidence of domestic violence.”

Nova for Women and Children are a local service that have provided emergency accommodation and specialist case management support, to women and children in crisis for over 35 years.

“We are extremely grateful to be welcomed as the City’s second charity partner for Newcastle’s biggest event,” CEO Kelly Hansen said.

‘We’re really looking forward to the day because this is a great opportunity for us to raise our profile and precious funds for homeless women and their children, and others in crisis.”

Got Your Back Sista (GYBS) became the City’s first official charity partner in 2017 and helps women and children who’ve fled domestic violence set-up a safe home.

“The luncheon is a great opportunity to share our message that domestic violence is never acceptable and that we are there for any victims of it,” GYBS Founder Melissa Histon said.

“We work to help women start their lives again and live independently, so we are profoundly grateful once again for the support of both the City of Newcastle and Supercars.”

Supported by an army of volunteers from both organisations, Histon and Nova’s operations manager, Lee Liewes, will address guests before six auction items go under the hammer.

They include an all-expenses paid three-night trip for two to Auckland’s Avani Metropolis hotel, a catered corporate suite for 20 people at the Knights-Manly NRL game next year at McDonald Jones Stadium, and a night’s stay for two at a five-star hotel in Sydney