Lou’s opened its doors on 18 August for our annual donor night in honour of our supporters, community members, partners and friends.
The night was an opportunity to discuss the impact of Lou’s Place, and to deepen understanding of the women who access our service. It’s also an invitation for ongoing support for a safe, low-barrier, trauma-informed community space for our women. Lastly, it’s an opportunity to share what’s been happening – and to provide insight into how their generosity and support keeps the wheels turning.
The Friends of Lou’s evening provides a chance for guests to experience the values of Lou’s Place: hope, dignity, connection and care.
We were delighted to have among our guests Alex Greenwich, MP, Jenny Leong, MP, and Councillor Adam Worling. Mandy Greaney, our CEO, spoke about how their support makes a difference in the daily lives of the women who walk through our doors. Board member Jennie Kovacs hosted a panel discussion with Katie and Siena, two of our case workers, about the programmes that Lou’s offers. Chair of the Board Bec Fitzpatrick spoke about our strategic vision and ways in which our community can be involved including the development of a three-year pledge cycle.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtably a speech delivered by Sarah (name changed), who first came to Lou’s Place a year ago, having fled domestic violence in her home country. Here is an excerpt:
Leaving my country was not a simple decision. It came from a place of pure survival. I remember arriving during the winter … and the cold was something I was not used to. Those first days were so hard both physically and in my heart. I came here seeking safety, hoping for protection, and praying for a chance to rebuild my life away from fear and uncertainty.
When I first arrived, I had nothing stable to rely on. I was navigating a completely new country, a new system, and a completely new environment, all while dealing with the heavy emotional impact of what I had been through. At that time, even basic daily life was difficult. Things like having enough food, appropriate clothing, toiletries, or a safe place to sit and think were not guaranteed.
But beyond those physical needs, what I needed most was emotional safety, to feel that I was not alone and that I still had value as a person. Through the Asylum Seekers Centre, I was referred to Lou’s Place by my caseworker … That referral became the ultimate turning point in my life.
When I think about Lou’s Place and the supporters behind it, I do not just think about services. I think about transformation. I think about what it means when someone is given a second chance, when they are believed in, and when they are supported at one of the lowest points in their life and I have been coming to Lou’s Place for more than a year.
Many of you here may never meet the people your support reaches. But I want to tell you clearly: your impact is real, and it is direct. It lasts far beyond the moment of a donation. Because of you, people are fed when they are hungry. Because of you, women find safe spaces when they feel unsafe. Because of you, people receive counselling when they are emotionally overwhelmed.
I stand here not just as someone who received support, but as living proof of what your support can achieve. Today, I am proud to share that I have a safe, stable place to live. I have a job with Two Good Co. in the Café; I make coffee! I completed my Certificate III in health Services Assistance, and I graduated on the 6 August 2026.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in this work, thank you for supporting Lou’s Place, and thank you for helping women like me find hope again.
Your kindness does not just change circumstances; it changes lives.
Sarah was so brave to stand up in front of the audience and tell her story. She spoke with such composure, grace and humour, and she brought tears to the eyes of quite a few of our guests.
