Speeches
Tuesday, 03 June 2025
Reception to thank supporters of Catherine House
Rod and I, as patron of Catherine House, welcome you to Government House to thank supporters, donors, and volunteers.
It is a privilege to do so because we have seen first-hand the transformative effect that Catherine House has on the lives of women facing the trauma of homelessness.
We all know that Catherine House provides more than shelter. Catherine House provides support, skills, food, and opportunity.
Importantly, it gives hope and provides dignity. It enables women to feel safe and valued.
Sadly, in its 37th year, Catherine House is experiencing another year of unprecedented demand, due to scarcity of social and community housing, high interest rates, and cost of living pressures.
It is sobering to know that in 2024, 735 women contacted the intake service, a 36% increase over the previous year.
We share your hope that one day we can defeat the scourge of domestic and family violence that continues to be the cause of women’s homelessness.
And I am sure we all earnestly await the report of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence to be finalised soon, so we can further explore prevention, responses, recovery and, importantly, healing.
Today is an opportune time to reflect on the work of Catherine House.
I know the Governor-General Her Excellency the Hon Sam Mostyn, was deeply impressed by Catherine House’s work when she visited during her first official visit to South Australia last year.
When Catherine House opened in 1988 there were just 12 rooms. It has now grown to accommodate 60 women at any given time.
It supports almost 200 women each week through its accommodation and support services.
Alongside that, the Waitlist Support Service, and the collaboration with the We are Mobilise organisation help reduce hardship.
The new Generation Catherine House, when it opens its doors at the end of next year, will be able to accommodate 76 women a night.
All combined, the opportunities provided by Catherine House give meaning and purpose to women facing undeniably one of the toughest times of their lives.
Today we honour with awards those who have made an outstanding contribution to Catherine House and helped to make this happen.
I know you do it with an unwavering sense of community and desire to change the lives of some of our most vulnerable women.
Thank you for caring. Thank you for taking action.
I also thank the board and staff of Catherine House who have shown determination and consistently offered a guiding hand to help women navigate difficult circumstances.
You all enable women to rediscover their voice, learn to make good decisions for themselves, and make plans for the future to re-establish their lives.
Thank you.