Lou’s Closet: Looking Good, Feeling Good, Doing Good for 15 Years
Lou’s Closet, now in its 15th year, opened its doors at Tramsheds, and we raised $137,000. As our major annual fundraiser, over 15 years, we’ve raised more than $1,000,000. All funds raised go directly to support the women of Lou’s Place.
Lou’s Closet, now in its 15th year, opened its doors at Tramsheds, and we raised $137,000. As our major annual fundraiser, over 15 years, we’ve raised more than $1,000,000. All funds raised go directly to support the women of Lou’s Place.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of Australian designers Carla Zampatti, Bianca Spender, Moss and Spy and Baz, who donate beautiful garments every year. We also rely on you, the greater community, who so generously donate your personal clothing and accessories.
This year, we received a generous donation from the costume department of a film company. This included vintage hats, clothing, shoes and gorgeous bridal gowns from a film set.
One lucky girl went home with the dream dress for her wedding!
The designer emporium showcased clothes, shoes and accessories from international designers such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara and Marni, as well as lovely items from Australian designers such as Zimmermann, Scanlan and Theodore, R. M. Williams, Camilla and Marc, and Camilla. Our general boutique displayed clothes from Jac and Jack, Witchery, Country Road, Paige denim, and Veronika Maine, to name a few.
Both the vintage and knitwear sections were a big hit. A small men’s section of suits, shirts and belts was popular with both men and women.
Lou’s volunteers stocked up the pantry with their homemade jam and relish, granola and biscuits. For the first time we had a little second-hand cookbook section.
The closet has been stewarded by remarkable women since its inception. Kate Armati, with a group of friends, first set up the closet in private homes in Hunters Hill and Sydney’s eastern suburbs. As the closet grew (and with COVID-19 restrictions), it moved to Manly Golf Club. Jenny Pridham, Closet leader, took it to the next level with her magnificent floral displays on tables and the heads of mannequins, and she continues to work her magic every year.
Now in the calm and capable hands of Eugenie Karangis, the closet’s designer and general boutiques have something for everyone: mothers bring their daughters to choose formal gowns, groups of girls pick up their favourite brands of jeans. Others pick up a special item or two from the designer emporium. Tramsheds provides the perfect location for a coffee and a bite to eat after shopping, too!
The closet would not happen without our team of dedicated volunteers who spend months sorting and curating clothes, coordinating the pantry, rosters, signage and advertising. During the sale, our energetic team works tirelessly to ensure the smooth running over the three-day event.
We are proud to run an event that promotes circular fashion, giving unwanted clothes a new lease of life, while raising funds for the women of Lou’s Place. We look forward to seeing you all at the 2027 Closet!
Connecting Through Change – an Integrated Support Model
Connecting Through Change is a case management model which provides our women with integrated support. It combines individual case management from our social workers with group work. Group work provides opportunities for connection with peers as well as healing.
Connecting Through Change is a case management model which provides our women with integrated support. It combines individual case management from our social workers with group work. Group work provides opportunities for connection with peers as well as healing.
Feedback from group participants:
“It exceeded my expectations, great content, amazing facilitation, met some good friends.”
“That I am not the perpetrator, that I was acting out of resistance.”
Women present to Lou’s with high levels of structural disadvantage. More than half experience financial hardship. Many are either experiencing homelessness or housing risk (approximately 25% are in stable housing). About half of the women face mental health and/or drug and alcohol challenges, and many have limited social support.
Support is delivered in a flexible, low-barrier way. The key areas of focus include domestic and family violence safety planning, housing advocacy, emotional support and service coordination.
This scale of support reflects the importance of consistent, accessible engagement, particularly for women with limited external support.
Salvation Army Alcohol and Drug Outreach Clinic
The Salvation Army is an alcohol and drug outreach clinic offered weekly at Lou’s Place. Staff provide education about drug and alcohol use, relapse prevention, as well as management strategies for harm reduction. They can also provide assessment and referrals into rehab services and psycho-education groups.
The Salvation Army is an alcohol and drug outreach clinic offered weekly at Lou’s Place.
Staff provide education about drug and alcohol use, relapse prevention, as well as management strategies for harm reduction. They can also provide assessment and referrals into rehab services and psycho-education groups.
Here’s what the women have to say:
"They didn't judge me at all. I've tried rehab before. It didn't stick, so I felt a bit embarrassed even bringing it up again. The AOD Clinic just helped me look at what might work this time and took it step by step."
"I actually came in asking for advice for a friend who's been struggling, which is really hard for me to see. They were able to provide me with advice on how I can best support my friend, and they also provided me with a bit of support too on how I can look after myself."
"I didn't think I'd be comfortable talking about my drinking, especially somewhere new. But because it was at Lou's Place it felt a little easier. The worker was down to earth and just talked to me like a normal person. The conversation started off really light, and we even had a few laughs and jokes."
We’re thankful that the Salvation Army can provide this outreach service for our women.
Words from a woman of Lou’s: What brought me to Lou’s Place
Half the time I come to Lou’s Place is so that I can lie down comfortably without getting into trouble. The lunch is always nutritious and it’s free.
Half the time I come to Lou’s Place is so that I can lie down comfortably without getting into trouble. The lunch is always nutritious and it’s free.
I like the furniture here as there are plenty of comfortable lounges.
I like how Easter and Christmas are celebrated.
I like how you can have as many cups of tea as you like.
I love it when the babies and children are here.
I like it that there are lots of activities here, like creative writing, yoga, painting, knitting, sewing, movement and meditation.
I love all the free presents and clothes.
(Anonymous)
A gift for the staff from the Floral Decorator
Lou’s staff each received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Floral Decorator in Erskineville to acknowledge their hard work. It certainly made their day!
Lou’s staff each received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Floral Decorator in Erskineville to acknowledge their hard work. It certainly made their day!
Lou's staff Shauna Travers and Katie Little with flowers from the Floral Decorator
Lou’s Closet is back in 2026 celebrating 15 years!
This year, Lou’s Closet celebrates 15 years of turning style into support.
What began as a simple idea - that beautiful clothing could help change lives - has grown into a powerful fundraising initiative for Lou’s Place.
Lou’s Closet invites women to donate high-quality and vintage pieces from their wardrobes, giving them a second life and a deeper purpose. Each item sold raises vital funds to support Women of Lou’s - women rebuilding after domestic violence, homelessness and crisis.
If you would prefer to shop then please come along - everything you buy goes towards helping the *Women of Lou’s!
Every donated dress, jacket and treasured piece helps fund case workers, meals, advocacy and pathways to long-term stability.
From wardrobe to second chance.
From style to safety.
Thank you for being part of 15 years of impact - the next chapter is still to come.
May 2026 Event Details
The Tramsheds, 1 Dalgal Way Forest Lodge, NSW 2037
Friday 1 May, 9am-7pm ($10 entry)
Saturday 2 May, 9am-6pm ($10 entry)
Sunday 3 May, 9am-3pm (free entry)
Donating Clothes
If you’d like to contribute your designer or vintage wear to Lou’s Closet, then please get in touch with the wonderful Eugenie: eugenie@lousplace.com.au or call on
#louscloset @louscloset_sydney
Unity. Advocacy. Solidarity. Remembrance. Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes 2025.
On Tuesday, 25 November 2025, Lou’s Place marked the first day of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by standing together with the NSW Vigil Collective in Martin Place for our "Uniting Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes" campaign. The event was a poignant reminder of the lives lost due to domestic and family violence (DFV) since the November 2024 Vigil.
On Tuesday, 25 November 2025, Lou’s Place marked the first day of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by standing together with the NSW Vigil Collective in Martin Place for our "Uniting Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes" campaign. The event was a poignant reminder of the lives lost due to domestic and family violence (DFV) since the November 2024 Vigil.
Plinths lined Martin Place, each with a pair of shoes on top to honour and remember the 49 women who have been killed. A rose was placed beside each pair of empty shoes during the reading of their names. We never forget these victims. A special installation to honour, remember and acknowledge the children killed by DFV stood directly in front of the stage. For the first time, a single plinth, separate from the others, stood as an acknowledgement of the animals killed by perpetrators of DFV. It supported the work of one of the collective members to raise awareness of the use of pets as a form of coercive control.
Strong voices spoke of the need for funding, for change and for standing together in UNITY. It takes us all in all our unique capacities, with what we do to make the changes that are needed to address this devastating endemic. Thank you to Hannah Tonkin, Women's Safety Commissioner, Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, Corey Anderson "Healing Through Yarning" and our main speaker Tabitha Acret. Tabitha’s powerful words spoke of the pain and love of a mother whose life was forever altered with the murder of her daughter Mackenzie due to DFV.
Tabitha continues to fight for change in policy, attitudes and systems, using her voice in the hope that no more families have to endure what she has. We congratulate her on what she has been able to achieve already, especially the recommendations to changes to the law for minimum sentencing for perpetrators of intimate family violence.
Lou's Place was proud to be chairing the collective which had expanded to include: Asylum Seekers Service | Banksia Women | Barnardos Australia | Bonnie Support Services | Centre for Women's Economic Safety | City of Sydney | Dress for Success | DV NSW | DV Service Management (DVSM) | Full Stop | Hope & Heal | Lou's Place | Lucy's Project | Muslim Women Australia | Northern Beaches Women's Shelter | NSW Aboriginal Women's Advisory Network | Pop In | RACS - Refugee Advice & Casework Service | South Eastern Community Connect - Domestic and Family Violence Service | SSI | Two Good Co | VOCAL | WAGEC | WEAVE | Women and Children First | Women's Community Shelters | Women's Housing Company | Women's Resilience Centre | Zonta International District 24 | 4Voices.
Special thanks to the City of Sydney for sponsoring the event, and to the wonderful Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for their uplifting music. To everyone who stood with us, the men, the services, the area police, the 81 year-old grandmother who travelled from Taree to remember and share her own experiences, the brave survivors, the people willing to bear witness and remember, thank you.
Police are called to a DFV situation in NSW every 3 minutes.
Our advocacy is not one day; it is ongoing. Thank you for your support of the NSW Vigil Collective and Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes.
Photography by Amanda Lawson
Our Three-Year Strategic Plan
We are thrilled to report that we’ve begun to implement our comprehensive three-year strategic plan, developed by the board in 2025. It’s a road map that reflects our vision for the future, while honouring our founding values.
We are thrilled to report that we’ve begun to implement our comprehensive three-year strategic plan, developed by the board in 2025. It’s a road map that reflects our vision for the future, while honouring our founding values. This planning process has sharpened our focus and aligned our efforts towards measurable and meaningful client outcomes.
Our plan is four-fold:
To strengthen operational functions to lead best practice delivery for women in crisis.
To improve our financial resilience to meet the current and future needs of women in crisis.
To invest in the growth and well-being of our people to deliver better employee, team and client outcomes.
To deepen stakeholder engagement to deliver better collective impact.
This plan is aligned with the vision of Lou’s Place: to contribute to a world where all women experience safety, support and are empowered to live a life beyond survival.
The Stability First Housing & Homelessness Support Programme
The Stability First Housing & Homelessness Support Programme has continued to provide intensive, flexible support to women experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing. Since it began in May 2025, more than 396 women have been supported, many facing domestic and family violence, mental health challenges and barriers to accessing mainstream services.
The Stability First Housing & Homelessness Support Programme has continued to provide intensive, flexible support to women experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing. Since it began in May 2025, more than 396 women have been supported, many facing domestic and family violence, mental health challenges and barriers to accessing mainstream services.
The programme’s flexible, low-barrier approach is helping women maintain or secure housing, reconnect with services nd navigate complex systems with greater confidence. Brokerage support has played a critical role in preventing tenancy loss, enabling swift responses to homelessness, and stabilising women during periods of financial crisis.
Our team's participation in the Homelessness Assertive Response Team (HART) and the Sydney Zero Action Group strengthens collaboration across the sector, improving coordination and reducing service gaps. Stability First continues to focus on supporting women toward safe, sustainable housing outcomes.
"I really appreciate all your help and checking on me means a lot. I had a hard time the last few months and it is such a relief to see everything settling with work and a place to live with my cutie. It feels like since being in contact with Lou's things started to move and I was able to leave the uncertainty I was living in, which was affecting me a lot. I am very grateful for your presence in our lives" - Stability First Participant
Community Clay’s Pottery Workshop
Community Clay recently ran a wonderful pottery workshop at Lou's Place, giving women the chance to get creative and try something new. They provided everything needed for a beginner-friendly experience and created a supportive, encouraging environment.
Community Clay recently ran a wonderful pottery workshop at Lou's Place, giving women the chance to get creative and try something new. They provided everything needed for a beginner-friendly experience and created a supportive, encouraging environment.
Delivered over three sessions, ten women had the opportunity to build pieces from clay, paint them, and send them off to be glazed. Creations included cups, trays, and trinket dishes, and the excitement to see the finished results was palpable. A huge thank you to Victoria at Community Clay for making this possible.
Photography by Amanda Lawson
Lou’s Christmas Party
The Christmas party at Lou’s is one of the highlights of the year for our women. Many arrive dressed in their party attire for a professional portrait with Santa. Some gather with friends for a group photo, and others bring their kids along to talk to Santa about their Christmas wishes.
The Christmas party at Lou’s is one of the highlights of the year for our women. Many arrive dressed in their party attire for a professional portrait with Santa. Some gather with friends for a group photo, and others bring their kids along to talk to Santa about their Christmas wishes.
Fun activities are organised, including carol singing, cookie decorating, card and Christmas ornament making. The volunteers put out a great spread of food. With our women, staff and volunteers celebrating together, it is truly a festive occasion.
Photography by Amanda Lawson
No More Empty Shoes 2025
Lou’s Place is once again involved in advocacy during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. We are hosting a vigil to honour and remember the women and children we have lost to domestic and family violence (DFV) in 2025, in Martin Place on Tuesday, 25 November.
Lou’s Place is once again involved in advocacy during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. We are hosting a vigil to honour and remember the women and children we have lost to domestic and family violence (DFV) in 2025, in Martin Place on Tuesday, 25 November.
In 2024, the NSW Vigil Collective was created for this campaign, "Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes", and brought together 8 organisations. This year, Lou’s Place is chairing the event, and we are expanding.
29 frontline services are involved in the collective thus far, including the Asylum Seekers Centre, Banksia Women, Barnardos Australia, Bonnie Support Services, the City of Sydney, the Centre for Women’s Economic Safety, Dress for Success, DV NSW, DVSM, Full Stop, Hope and Heal, Lou’s Place, Lucy's Project, Muslim Women Australia, NSW Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network, Pop In, SSI, South Eastern Community Connect (DFV Services), Two Good Co, VOCAL, WEAVE, WAGEC, RACS, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, Women’s Community Shelters, Women’s Resilience Centre, Women and Children First, 4 Voices and 1800RESPECT.
Our main speakers include DVNSW, Corey Anderson from Healing Through Yarning and Tabitha Acret, mother of Mackenzie Anderson, from “They Are Our Daughters”. She is a strong advocate for change for those who have been left behind. There will also be a surprise performance at the end of the formalities not to be missed (thank you Sydney Philharmonia Choirs).
A huge thank you to the City of Sydney who has awarded Lou’s a three-year grant to cover the costs associated with putting on this important event. Please keep an eye out for our media campaign and spread the word! We would like as many people as possible to attend the vigil.
Please contact rebecca@lousplace.com.au with queries about “Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes”.
Tuesday, 25 November
Martin Place
Installation from 8am, formalities at 12 noon
Lou’s Closet 2025
Another year, another successful closet, with $135,000 raised! What an amazing result we achieved, thanks to help from our community. Every single cent raised goes directly to helping the women who access Lou’s services.
The Lou’s Closet Team
Another year, another successful closet, with $135,000 raised! What an amazing result we achieved, thanks to help from our community. Every single cent raised goes directly to helping the women who access Lou’s services.
We’re grateful for the continuous support of Australian designers Carla Zampatti, Bianca Spender, Moss and Spy, and Baz, as well as generous clothing donations from individuals.
Designer shoes at Lou’s Closet
We couldn’t have pulled it off without the tremendous efforts of the Lou’s Closet team who worked tirelessly over the three-day event, as well as in the months leading up to it.
The closet was held at the Tramsheds in Forest Lodge. Beautiful clothing hung in our designer boutique, with luxury international designers such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Australian designers such as Zimmerman, Camilla and Marc, and Camilla. Our general boutique boasted well-known Australian labels, including Veronika Maine, Country Road, Cue and Sportscraft. The vintage and knitwear sections also proved to be very popular.
Lou's Closet Opening Night
Lou’s Pantry, a valued part of the closet, sold an array of homemade chutneys, seasonings, jams and baked goods, all prepared by our kitchen volunteers.
Lou’s Pantry homemade chutney and jams
Shoppers young and old snatched up many bargains, while at the same time supporting the sustainability of the fashion industry.
Thank you to everybody who supported Lou’s Closet. We can’t wait to see you all again in May 2026.
Photography by Anna Turner
Always Mum
Always Mum is a programme designed to support mothers navigating the child protection system. It comprises a 10-week therapeutic group and intensive case management. It’s a safe space where women can reflect on their parenting, share their experiences and obtain the practical guidance needed for self-advocacy in a challenging system. Always Mum works to reduce stigma, build confidence and affirm that no matter the circumstances, they will always be mums.
Always Mum is a programme designed to support mothers navigating the child protection system. It comprises a 10-week therapeutic group and intensive case management. It’s a safe space where women can reflect on their parenting, share their experiences and obtain the practical guidance needed for self-advocacy in a challenging system. Always Mum works to reduce stigma, build confidence and affirm that no matter the circumstances, they will always be mums.
During the Term 2 programme, two mothers were granted restoration of their children which was fantastic. Both women are continuing to work with Lou's Place through the restoration process. Another 25 mums were supported by case workers during this period.
Participant feedback:
“I needed this time to heal and to get to a place where I could be what I needed to be for my kids. I can be a safe parent for my child.”
“I now understand that my kids are going through the same feelings of pain, confusion and powerlessness as I am.”
Stories of Hope
One mother, newly sober, at risk of homelessness and with minimal supports, came to Lou’s Place. She received support for her Section 90 application*, case management and emotional encouragement which helped her believe reunification with her son was possible. She is now preparing to welcome him home.
Another mother, who had fled a violent relationship, had both groupwork and case management while navigating child protection proceedings. With advocacy from staff, she secured safe housing, developed her parenting confidence and built strategies for healing from trauma. Her newborn was able to remain in her care, a life-changing milestone for her.
For others, it’s a longer journey. One mother celebrated 12 months of sobriety, secured housing, gained employment and gradually rebuilt her stability. With Always Mum, she is now on the cusp of having her daughter returned to her care.
*Section 90 application: a legal process whereby parents can ask the court to vary or cancel previous care orders when circumstances have changed.
Photography by Amanda Lawson
Connecting Through Change
Connecting Through Change (CTC) is our dedicated domestic and family violence (DFV) programme. It offers both group work and specialist case management. The programme is a vital pathway for women to step away from violence and walk toward stability, healing and empowerment. For some, CTC is the first step after leaving violence. For others, it’s a space to return to when needed, acknowledging that healing isn’t always linear.
Connecting Through Change (CTC) is our dedicated domestic and family violence (DFV) programme. It offers both group work and specialist case management. The programme is a vital pathway for women to step away from violence and walk toward stability, healing and empowerment. For some, CTC is the first step after leaving violence. For others, it’s a space to return to when needed, acknowledging that healing isn’t always linear.
Our therapeutic group programme creates a space to pause, reflect and connect. During sessions, women explore the dynamics of DFV, trauma recovery, boundary-setting and rebuilding self-worth. They share their stories, find solidarity, and begin to plan a different future. In addition to the Term 2 cohort attending the programme, another 33 women were supported with tailored case management to help them navigate the complexities of DFV.
Alongside groupwork, CTC provides specialist case management that is client-led, individualised and holistic. Violence does not occur in isolation; it affects housing, finances, health, safety and wellbeing.
Case managers provide help in the following ways:
Safety first: tailored safety plans, police liaison, AVO support
Housing and stability: social housing advocacy, crisis accommodation, sustaining tenancies to prevent homelessness
Health and recovery: access to trauma-informed counselling, assistance with hospital and mental health systems, brokerage for medication and essentials
Financial safety: access to the Escaping Violence Payment programme, crisis payments, food and transport vouchers, challenging debts linked to financial abuse.
Legal and systems navigation: providing support in court, referral to family law or immigration support
Case Studies:
One woman arrived after enduring escalating violence with nowhere safe to go. Within hours, our team secured emergency accommodation, accessed crisis payments, and wove therapeutic activities into her casework to ease her anxiety. Today, she is settled in long-term housing and planning her future with confidence.
A mother fleeing interstate violence was turned away by services at capacity. Our case managers advocated for safe accommodation, provided a safe phone and crisis brokerage. Today, she and her children are securely housed. She plans to join the group programme when she feels ready.
CTC shows what becomes possible when women are met with both immediate practical assistance and pathways for long-term healing. The programme equips women with tools, connection, and confidence to move forward on their own terms.
Stability First: Building Safe Foundations
At Lou’s Place, we know that a safe and stable home is the foundation for dignity, safety and recovery. As a pilot initiative, Stability First is Lou’s Place’s first government-funded programme, delivered through the NSW Homelessness Innovation Fund.
At Lou’s Place, we know that a safe and stable home is the foundation for dignity, safety and recovery. As a pilot initiative, Stability First is Lou’s Place’s first government-funded programme, delivered through the NSW Homelessness Innovation Fund.
Stability First builds on more than 25 years of grassroots experience, while pioneering a flexible model of support for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The programme maintains our low-barrier and inclusive approach. This ensures that women with complex needs, who are often excluded from other services, can access housing support in a trusted and familiar space.
Housing remains at the heart of our work. Homelessness is never just about housing. Many women who engage with Stability First are also experiencing violence, financial hardship and isolation.
Throughout June and July, Stability First supported 115 women in immediate crisis.
This included:
59 instances of homelessness support
48 instances of housing application support
89 instances of tenancy sustainability support – intensive support for women at risk of abandoning their homes due to safety concerns or poor conditions
The impact of Stability First is best understood through our women’s stories:
One woman arrived after leaving a violent relationship, with a young baby and nowhere safe to stay.
Others came after months of rough sleeping, or while managing grief, parole conditions, or family separation.
Through persistent advocacy, referrals and practical support, women were moved into crisis and transitional housing. They secured and furnished their long-term homes with the essentials needed to start again. They were supported throughout hospital admissions, linked to mental health and financial services, and guided to take steps toward family reconnection. For many, such intervention meant the difference between remaining in cycles of homelessness and beginning a path toward stability and safety.
Stability First is more than a new service; it represents a system-wide investment in more inclusive homelessness responses. As part of the Homelessness Innovation Fund, the programme will not only continue to support women at Lou’s Place but also contribute to broader reform. Stability First aims to help shape more accessible, flexible approaches to housing support across NSW.
The Drop-In Centre
The drop-in centre has been notably busier in recent months. Breakfast numbers are consistently higher, and the morning demand now flows through the day, with the centre averaging around 50 women per day. Around 15 women a day use our laundry services.
The drop-in centre has been notably busier in recent months. Breakfast numbers are consistently higher, and the morning demand now flows through the day, with the centre averaging around 50 women per day. Around 15 women a day use our laundry services.
Throughout June and July, we recorded 2,143 visits from 518 individual women. This included 52 new clients. We’ve implemented a client suggested ticketing system for our lunch service. This has eliminated long queues while allowing women to rest or continue with other tasks. Feedback from both clients and volunteers has been extremely positive.
The client services team do far more than managing the laundry and facilitating the shower service. While they don’t provide case management in a formal sense, they regularly support women in crisis: triaging needs and offering practical support.
A Case Study: Rebuilding Safety and Stability for Sarah after DV
Sarah had been living with her violent partner until he was removed from the home by police. She faced eviction due to non-payment of rent, which was a direct consequence of her situation. This sudden instability left her both emotionally overwhelmed and at risk of homelessness.
Sarah had been living with her violent partner until he was removed from the home by police. She faced eviction due to non-payment of rent, which was a direct consequence of her situation. This sudden instability left her both emotionally overwhelmed and at risk of homelessness.
Sarah was put in touch with an AVO (Apprehended Violence Order) lawyer. The original AVO had been agreed upon under coercion by her partner, so her lawyer had the AVO amended to provide better protection and to prevent further breaches.
Sarah's child is currently in the care of extended family. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has indicated that the child may return to her care once she has greater housing and personal stability.
Sarah is supported by her caseworker with:
ongoing housing applications for private rentals
emotional support and trauma-informed care
counselling referrals for therapeutic support
safety planning and connection to additional DV support services as needed
Sarah continues to work towards rebuilding her life, establishing a safe and stable environment so that she can regain custody of her child.
Volunteers: The Lifeblood of Lou’s Place
Volunteers are at the heart of Lou’s Place. Their generosity, time and commitment are integral to our operation. We have 134 active volunteers, with 27 new volunteers joining us this year.
Lou’s Place Volunteers Melissa, Gerri and Jo
Volunteers are at the heart of Lou’s Place. Their generosity, time and commitment are integral to our operation. We have 134 active volunteers, with 27 new volunteers joining us this year.
In 2025, we nominated our activity volunteers for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in recognition of their commitment and dedication to providing therapeutic and skill-building activities at Lou’s Place. These awards, coordinated by the Centre for Volunteering, not only celebrate the valuable contributions of our volunteers, but also highlight the critical role of volunteering in NSW.
What our volunteers are saying
Volunteering at Lou’s Place is the best part of my week. The smiles and thank yous from the women as we serve up lunch makes my heart sing.
Lisa, cooking volunteer
My cooking role is all about preparing family style lunches for the women to enjoy. It brings them together, sharing kindness and connection over a meal.
Anonymous, cooking volunteer
I cook a BBQ lunch once a month. It’s a special role as I’m the only male allowed to work onsite. The women are always appreciative, and it feels good to be able to do something small that brings them joy.
Richard, cooking volunteer
I have been teaching yoga and mindfulness at Lou’s Place for almost 10 years. I feel fortunate to be able to offer my skills to a community in need and I find it very rewarding. Sometimes women come in stressed about something in their lives, and it’s nice to see them relax and leave the class in a better space.
Tessa, activity volunteer
Photography by Amanda Lawson
Meals to go
Redfern Legal Centre Joins Lou’s Place
This year Redfern Legal Centre joined Lou’s Place as one of our outreach clinics. Our network of specialist clinics provides women with vital support and expert advice in a safe, comfortable and familiar space. By offering these services onsite, we can ensure that women can get support they might not otherwise receive.
This year Redfern Legal Centre joined Lou’s Place as one of our outreach clinics. Our network of specialist clinics provides women with vital support and expert advice in a safe, comfortable and familiar space. By offering these services onsite, we can ensure that women can get support they might not otherwise receive.
Redfern Legal Centre runs a two-hour weekly outreach clinic at Lou’s Place. They offer legal advice and casework to women regarding tenancy and housing issues, employment and discrimination, fines, consumer complaints, domestic violence and financial abuse, as well as criminal matters.
“We are proud to partner with Lou’s Place to assist women in addressing tenancy, debt, child protection, policing, domestic violence-related and a range of other legal issues. We value the opportunity to work in such a welcoming and supportive environment, delivering practical legal support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Alexis Goodstone, Principal Solicitor at Redfern Legal Centre