Artists supporting Lou’s
Lou’s Place is so grateful for these wonderful artist initiatives. Thank you!
Acclaimed artist Wendy Sharpe and award-winning author and tech CEO Kim Chandler McDonald are collaborating to raise money for Lou’s Place. For the special fundraising exhibition, HER SHOES, Wendy has created 52 signed pastel drawings – each representing a woman who - irrespective of background, ethnicity or age – is on average, killed through domestic violence weekly in Australia. The exhibition, a co-production by Wendy and Kim, is showing at Juniper Hall, Paddington, from 29 April to 21 May.
Kim’s last book, ‘Postcards from Tomorrow’, illustrated by Wendy, continues to raise funds for Lou’s Place.
Click here to register and for more information on the event.
Jane Whiston has been a long-term supporter of Lou’s Place, for many years playing a significant role in the Lou’s Closet team. But in her day-to-day life, Jane is an artist who enjoys painting both abstract and representative work. Recently, Jane created a website, Whiston.com.au to sell her work online to benefit charities that meant something to her. She selected 3 charities: Lou’s Place, Guide Dogs and the Butterfly Foundation. 100 % of all sales are divided by 3 and donated to these charities. Her project “Art for Purpose” aims to bring the artist and the art buyer together to make a difference for organisations and the people they support. Thank you, Jane for your generous work and your thoughtful contribution to Lou’s Place.
Lou’s Place is so grateful for these wonderful artist initiatives. Thank you!
Lou’s Place Welcomes New Staff
Courtney began her role as Community Services Coordinator towards the end of 2021. She previously worked for ten years in the travel industry, and for four years as a team leader. She wanted to use her people skills to encourage and support vulnerable women, so she completed her Certificate IV in Community Services in 2021 while working as student at Lou’s.
Courtney Blackwell
Courtney began her role as Community Services Coordinator towards the end of 2021. She previously worked for ten years in the travel industry, and for four years as a team leader. She wanted to use her people skills to encourage and support vulnerable women, so she completed her Certificate IV in Community Services in 2021 while working as a student at Lou’s.
Courtney hopes that Lou’s clients will feel reassured by her calm, caring nature. She loves creating a safe space for the women who come to Lou’s.
Bambi Murphy
Bambi joined Lou's Place in late 2021 as a Case Manager. She has over 10 years’ experience in the community care sector, specialising in alcohol and other drug work, and providing social and cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She has completed a Certificate IV in Community Services, a Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, Other Drugs and Mental Health) and a Certificate III and IV in Business Administration. Bambi’s empathy and positive attitude help her deliver trauma-informed care to women from diverse backgrounds, while advocating for the rights of women and girls across the country.
Genavieve Sakr
Gena started at Lou's Place in June 2021 as Case Manager, and she also heads up the Always Mum support program. She has completed a Diploma of Community Services and has years of professional experience in allied health care coordination, case management, counselling, and NDIS support coordination. She likes to use creative methods such as art, music and play therapies when working with her clients. Gena loves being a part of an incredible team of women who have created a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes personal and professional growth.
A Goodbye Letter from Brianna Attard
After four beautiful years, I am leaving Lou’s Place. I started here as a student on placement before becoming the fifth team member as a case manager, and then worked as the Always Mum Coordinator. There are so many highlights: meeting new, strong women every day, sharing every high and low with my wonderful co-workers, and most importantly, helping to create Always Mum.
After four beautiful years, I am leaving Lou’s Place. I started here as a student on placement before becoming the fifth team member as a case manager, and then worked as the Always Mum Coordinator. There are so many highlights: meeting new, strong women every day, sharing every high and low with my wonderful co-workers, and most importantly, helping to create Always Mum.
Developing Always Mum has been challenging but very rewarding. It’s a perfect blend of all my passions of supporting marginalised women, furthering social justice, using the legal system to improve outcomes for clients and advocating for systems change. I am extremely thankful to the Board and Nic Yade for supporting both Always Mum and my professional and personal growth.
It’s a bittersweet ending for me. I’ve always described working at Lou’s as my dream job, but I realise that it’s the right time for me to take a break and spend time with my family. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, donors and the Board for everything you do to make this place so special.
A Good News Story
An increasing number of women have come to Lou’s since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, domestic violence support services were provided to 98 women. This increased to 202 women in 2020, and 377 women in 2021. Many have participated in our core programs, Always Mum and A Woman’s Worth. 40% of our clients are in both programs, with many women needing support both with domestic and family violence, and also after the placement of their children into out of home care.
An increasing number of women have come to Lou’s since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, domestic violence support services were provided to 98 women. This increased to 202 women in 2020, and 377 women in 2021. Many have participated in our core programs, Always Mum and A Woman’s Worth. 40% of our clients are in both programs, with many women needing support both with domestic and family violence, and also after the placement of their children into out of home care.
Maelin (name changed) is one such client who benefited from our core programs. She was referred to Lou’s Place in July 2021 by the Department of Community and Justice. After arriving in Australia in 2013 on a Partnership Visa from Indonesia, she experienced significant intimate partner violence. She fled her relationship with her son in 2019. She became involved in an anti-establishment, anti-government cult which promised her community support and financial means. They encouraged her to quit her job, denied access to basic healthcare, instilled homeschooling, and linked her with a disbarred legal advocate. She became increasingly isolated, her mental health declined rapidly, and her son was removed from her care when she was admitted to an RPA psychiatric ward in early 2020.
Lou’s Place has established rapport and trust with Maelin through Always Mum and A Woman’s Worth. They have fostered supportive connections with government agencies and provided a safe space to share her own experience within a community of women with similar experiences. She could acknowledge herself as a survivor and create a safe home for her son upon completion of Lou’s programs.
Maelin would like to maintain her connections within these groups. She has recently completed a parenting capacity assessment and it has been recommended that her son be returned to her care. This is possible thanks to the continuing support from Always Mum, and A Woman’s Worth.
Lou's Place Fundraiser - Her Shoes Art Exhibition, by Wendy Sharpe, Opening Night (April 29, 2022)
The wonderful Kim Chandler who created the book "Postcards from Tomorrow" two years ago, is very kindly doing another fundraiser for us - this time with Archibald winning artist Wendy Sharpe. We would love to support this initiative, please join Kim and Wendy at Her Shoes Fundraising Art Exhibition Opening Night, April 29, 2022 at 6:00 PM Juniper Hall, Paddington.
The wonderful Kim Chandler who created the book "Postcards from Tomorrow" two years ago, is very kindly doing another fundraiser for us - this time with Archibald winning artist Wendy Sharpe.
We would love to support this initiative, please join Kim and Wendy at Her Shoes Fundraising Art Exhibition Opening Night, April 29, 2022 at 6:00 PM Juniper Hall, Paddington.
The night features 52 new drawings by Wendy Sharpe, each representing the women killed each week by domestic violence in Australia., There will also be an auction (items include a Wendy Sharpe portrait of the winning bidder), live music, 'nibbles and sips' and more!
Register soon because space is limited.
We hope you’re able to join us! But if you can’t, please stop by Juniper Hall from April 30-May 21st and see the show and bring your friends who buy art. The drawings are wonderful and well priced for an artist of her reputation and skill.
New Lou's is getting a helping hand
Our new premises in Redfern is a busy place these days. A talented Irish concrete team has just finished building a new access ramp to enable all women to come into Lou’s. Our builder, James Taylor, and his team are framing up a new kitchen and bathroom. He has looked after us for many years in the Cross. It’s been heart-warming how many tradespeople are helping to make our new premises possible by doing work below regular rates.
Our new premises in Redfern is a busy place these days.
A talented Irish concrete team has just finished building a new access ramp to enable all women to come into Lou’s. Our builder, James Taylor, and his team are framing up a new kitchen and bathroom. He has looked after us for many years in the Cross. It’s been heart-warming how many tradespeople are helping to make our new premises possible by doing work below regular rates.
Several organisations in our generous community have donated time or goods. Balagna Design provided the architectural plans and is still helping us navigate certification and the build. A team from Decus Design, Rug Culture and Emma Blomfield Interiors are assisting with a fabulous fit out and procuring furniture from their wide network of suppliers. Winning Appliances, a new neighbour in Redfern, but a long-term friend to Lou’s Place, is donating high-quality laundry and cooking appliances.
We are so grateful to everyone who has brought us this far, but there is still much more to be done. Please jump on board and become a part of the renovation. Contribute to our joinery or plumbing budget! Donate the $500 we need for a microwave. Give $100 so we can buy new chairs - we need a lot of them! Head to our website and make a donation, making sure you put in the notes what it’s for.
If you’re feeling you could do more or want to talk about something specific, please send me an email. We’d love to hear from you. Alexa@lousplace.com.au
Lou’s Place Kitchen Volunteers
Nurturing our women through delicious meals remains a key element in helping the women of Lou’s Place. Thanks to an incredible group of regular volunteers, our home-cooked meal service never stopped throughout the lockdowns; it has merely changed shape. Lunches have been cooked at home and placed in take away containers for the staff to hand out to anyone who comes to the door.
Nurturing our women through delicious meals remains a key element in helping the women of Lou’s Place. Thanks to an incredible group of regular volunteers, our home-cooked meal service never stopped throughout the lockdowns; it has merely changed shape. Lunches have been cooked at home and placed in take away containers for the staff to hand out to anyone who comes to the door.
Oz Harvest continues to deliver produce, and TwoGood has been delivering meals as well. The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah has also been delivering meals as part of their Saint Elesa Food Initiative. Most of the women coming to the door are our most vulnerable, unwell and often homeless. Lou’s staff have handed them groceries and multiple meals to encourage them to stay home (when they can) and other donations.
A few kitchen volunteers have shared their experiences:
With only my husband and me at home, and no opportunity to cook for large groups of friends and family, doing a big cook-up at home for Lou’s has been a most satisfying activity. When I’ve dropped off my meals, I have been greeted by some of the lovely women who come to Lou’s, and their gratitude has been heartfelt. I love the connections that I have made at Lou’s and can’t wait to get back in the kitchen … when we’re all allowed to be together again. – Ali
I miss my shifts at Lou’s. I love cooking while chatting to my kitchen buddy Jo. I miss the interactions we have with the women who come in, finding out what they’re up to, what they like to eat. Cooking at home for Lou’s has been fun too. Last week was super exciting with a police car on my tail on the way home. I was hoping they would pull me over so I could tell them about Lou’s Place! – Josephine
My big cook-up and drop off yesterday made for an extra busy morning but once delivered, the feeling of being able to contribute far outweighed all the effort. As much as I was on a high after dropping off the boxes, it's not quite the same as cooking on site. Food is such a binder… everyone appreciates a meal cooked from the heart. I am grateful for being able to contribute and I look forward to returning to Lou's kitchen real soon. - Jo
We are very grateful to Oz Harvest, Two Good and the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah for their continuing support. And a big thank you to all the kitchen volunteers – Ali, Josephine, Jo, Jan, Katie, Cristina, Sarah, Antonia and Judy. We look forward to having you cooking in the new kitchen again soon!
Lou’s Closet 2021
What a huge success Lou’s Closet 2021 was. A new location and shorter sale time frame could not deter this amazing group of volunteers from breaking all previous records!
We held our 2021 Lou’s Closet Sale in June at the Manly Golf Club, the first time it had been held in a function room in the 12 years since its conception. The Closet has always been held in private homes across Sydney. With the arrival of Covid in 2020 and subsequent restrictions, last year’s sale was postponed.
What a huge success Lou’s Closet 2021 was. A new location and shorter sale time frame could not deter this amazing group of volunteers from breaking all previous records!
We held our 2021 Lou’s Closet Sale in June at the Manly Golf Club, the first time it had been held in a function room in the 12 years since its conception. The Closet has always been held in private homes across Sydney. With the arrival of Covid in 2020 and subsequent restrictions, last year’s sale was postponed.
What a wonderful outlook across the fairways through large picture book windows! The relaxed atmosphere helped create an exciting mood in the clubhouse. With abundant space, the room looked fabulous with so many racks and tables of donated clothes, accessories, homewares, books and of course, jars of marmalade.
We didn’t know how Covid would impact the sale this year. Moving the event across two bridges, we weren’t sure how many people would make the trip. But our nerves settled after the doors opened on Monday at 9 am. We were thrilled with the number of people who came - and returned - over two days instead of the usual three days of trade.
$103, 000 was raised for Lou’s Place, breaking our 2019 record of $93,000. It’s a lot of work to curate this event. Many enthusiastic volunteers helped make this event possible, so we extend our gratitude to all of them for their time and energy.
We look forward to another wonderful Lou’s Closet in 2022. Please mark 2-3 May, 2022 in your diaries when we look forward to seeing you all again at the Manly Golf Club – Jenny Pridham & Jo Hyde
Always Mum Online Workshop Series
Writing is a powerful tool that can give clarity to thoughts and help us connect to our own self and others. With many face-to-face contacts between mums and kids in out of home care being cancelled due to COVID restrictions, letter writing can be a meaningful, creative and novel way to connect with them during this period.
Writing is a powerful tool that can give clarity to thoughts and help us connect to our own self and others. With many face-to-face contacts between mums and kids in out of home care being cancelled due to COVID restrictions, letter writing can be a meaningful, creative and novel way to connect with them during this period.
Amanda, a creative writing volunteer at Lou's Place, was a guest speaker for workshop 5/6 of the Always Mum Online Workshop Series. Amanda facilitated a one-hour letter writing workshop, where the mums were encouraged to think about fond memories they’ve shared with their kids. Amanda then supported participants to express this in letter format using descriptive words, feelings, senses, and creativity. All participants were given the opportunity to share their writing within the group, and receive Amanda’s feedback and suggestions. It’s been a therapeutic tool to create meaningful connections with their kids during difficult and uncertain times. All participants enjoyed this workshop and are excited to attend more.
85 women have completed Always Mum since its inception, and we have another 15 mums ready to start when we open again.
Lou’s Place is always open
We’re always busy at Lou’s! There have been 90 new intakes since lockdown began in June. Our staff have been busy pivoting our programs and offering support over the phone and in the digital world.
We’re always busy at Lou’s! There have been 90 new intakes since lockdown began in June. Our staff have been busy pivoting our programs and offering support over the phone and in the digital world. Always Mum staff created a workshop series with a suite of guest speakers so mums can come together, learn something new and gather evidence for their case. Mahasti created a group called The Happiness Chemical to help boost mood during lockdown and also ran a workshop during Women’s Health Week (6-12 September). Genavieve created DIY jewellery kits for women to get crafty at home. Lavender is running her regular domestic violence programs – A Women’s Worth and Boundaries: Birthright. Lavender and Jean are running a weekly check-in called Alone, Together. So many activities to help our clients connect!
A Good News Story
One of our clients, Jeanette (name changed), has been participating in the Lou’s Place online Domestic Violence groups during lockdown. She feels grateful to have found a safe place to be herself and feel supported during these isolated and difficult times.
One of our clients, Jeanette (name changed), has been participating in the Lou’s Place online Domestic Violence groups during lockdown. She feels grateful to have found a safe place to be herself and feel supported during these isolated and difficult times. Joining the groups and regular case management has made her feel like she is not alone. Lou’s also sent her some art and craft supplies, and she has taken comfort from this creative outlet. She is taking it day by day and enjoys the opportunity to connect with others and do activities that she loves. In doing A Woman’s Worth she said,
“Before the group I didn’t want to end the relationship, now I know I deserve better.”
We are so proud of everything Jeanette has achieved!
Lou’s Closet: June 7 and 8, 2021 - New Location
We are extremely excited to announce Lou’s Closet will be open for business in the stylish Manly Golf Clubhouse where you can discover a gorgeous array of donated clothes and accessories.
We are extremely excited to announce Lou’s Closet will be open for business in the stylish Manly Golf Clubhouse where you can discover a gorgeous array of donated clothes and accessories.
We need you to open your own closets for a thorough clean out and put aside the items you think someone may love to wear, thereby giving fresh life to a much-loved garment. We only accept donations in near new or pristine condition so please launder or dry clean before donating. The Closet has established itself offering high quality items, so we need to maintain this standard. We will come and collect from you or you can drop to the dedicated addresses (details below).
Drop off points:
- Pam Bartlett: 20 Wyuna St Point Piper: 0407 362 419
- Jo Hyde: 35 The Scarp, Castlecrag (on doorstop inside front gate): 0419 435 504
- Jenny Pridham: 1/31 Fairlight Crescent, Fairlight: 0414 942 725
- Jennie Kovacs: 5 Silex Rd, Mosman: 0415 451 475
- Alexa Haslingden: 25 The Crescent, Vaucluse: 0410 737 001
- Kate Armati: 1 McBride Ave, Hunters Hill: 0412 434 969
Manly Golf Club has a COVID-19 safety plan to ensure a safe shopping environment. As Lou’s Place celebrates its 22nd year of operation, the Closet is very proud to have played a significant supporting role for 11 years. It has raised more than $450,000 and in doing so, has highlighted the current social and environmental issues of re-using and extending the life of fashion resources, reducing landfill and the cost of fashion to the buyer. It has also strengthened the philosophy of Lou’s Place: “women helping women.” Your support is needed even more this year following the cancellation of last year’s event. Lou’s Closet’s success is incredibly important to the operation and inspiration of Lou’s Place. Please don’t forget us this year!
Thank you in advance.
The Lou’s Closet Team and the women of Lou’s Place
Creative Writing
I live in a house, but I desperately want to live in a home. To live in a home filled with love is my number one priority. A home is where I can feel safe, where I can make it my own, and where I can develop a sense of pride. I want to feel the contentment of coming home after a day out, where I can breathe and relax and feel safe. This is where I can start to work on my self-knowledge and self-improvement. I want it to smell fresh and inviting. And be proud to have visitors feel comfortable there.
I live in a house, but I desperately want to live in a home.
To live in a home filled with love is my number one priority.
A home is where I can feel safe, where I can make it my own,
and where I can develop a sense of pride.
I want to feel the contentment of coming home after a day out,
where I can breathe and relax and feel safe.
This is where I can start to work on my self-knowledge and self-improvement.
I want it to smell fresh and inviting.
And be proud to have visitors feel comfortable there.
- Lou’s Place Client (Anonymous)
Photography: Anna Turner, ‘The Doors Are Open’
Scholarship for Nicole Yade
Our General Manager, Nicole Yade, was recently awarded a scholarship from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to complete the General Manager Program (GMP).
Our General Manager, Nicole Yade, was recently awarded a scholarship from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to complete the General Manager Program (GMP). The General Manager Program is a 5-day intensive program bringing together general managers from different sectors and backgrounds. It focuses on the development of adaptive leadership and executive practice to tackle complex problems, while also providing a great networking opportunity.
As a result of the program, Professor Patrick Sharry and 2 MBA students have joined the Lou's Place team as volunteers. They’re working with Nicole to discuss how Lou's Place can reach more women in the years to come.
A New Staff Position for Lou’s Place
Lou’s Place is thrilled to announce the new staff position of Domestic and Family Violence Case Manager. Lavender Bates (previously Lou’s Place Community Services Coordinator) has taken up this 12-month role, which complements her recent completion of a Master of Social Work.
Lavender and Mahasti at the client Christmas party
Lou’s Place is thrilled to announce the new staff position of Domestic and Family Violence Case Manager. Lavender Bates (previously Lou’s Place Community Services Coordinator) has taken up this 12-month role, which complements her recent completion of a Master of Social Work.
Lavender’s position comes from Lou’s successful application for COVID stimulus funding through Women NSW. Lou’s Place is now able to expand its therapeutic and educational groupwork to clients who have experienced domestic violence. Two new groups have been established: the first, focusing on boundaries; the second, on mental health and wellbeing.
Lavender has also recently attended MATE Bystander training through Griffith University. MATE stands for ‘Motivating Action Through Empowerment.’ The program educates lay people to feel empowered to act against violence in our community. So often at Lou's Place, we receive calls from community members who suspect violence is happening to a loved one or even a neighbour, and they are unsure about what to do. This program seeks to change that. MATE is an innovative and evidence-based approach to changing domestic violence at a community level - because always leaving change to people who are experiencing violence is no longer considered enough.
We wish Lavender well in what will be a busy and challenging new role!
Lou’s Welcomes a New Community Services Coordinator
Jean Parker, our new Community Services Coordinator, initially joined Lou’s Place as a student in late 2020. She is completing a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) and has several years’ experience in the community care sector, client relations and business management.
Jean Parker, our new Community Services Coordinator, initially joined Lou’s Place as a student in late 2020. She is completing a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) and has several years’ experience in the community care sector, client relations and business management. Before joining Lou’s, she worked for the Department of Communities and Justice. She has extensive experience in assisting people with complex issues, particularly in relation to mental health, alcohol and/or drug use and trauma. She is responsible for the smooth running of the house, as well as supporting volunteers, students and clients. Jean says she has already learnt a great deal, and she is really looking forward to building more meaningful relationships with clients.
Plunkett Street Community Playgroup
We are thrilled to say – YES WE ARE BACK! 2020 was a difficult time for our playgroup. We closed in March and re-opened in November in a modified, COVID safe way, with an average of 6 families per week. 2021, however, has seen as many as 26 families attending each week, with tremendous gratitude from them for our support. A huge shout out to our dedicated team of volunteers, and Leanne, our teacher, who help to make this possible.
We are thrilled to say – YES WE ARE BACK!
2020 was a difficult time for our playgroup. We closed in March and re-opened in November in a modified, COVID safe way, with an average of 6 families per week. 2021, however, has seen as many as 26 families attending each week, with tremendous gratitude from them for our support. A huge shout out to our dedicated team of volunteers, and Leanne, our teacher, who help to make this possible.
We have a popular new yarning circle for our weekly story and music time. One of our favourite moments this term has been watching a 6-month-old baby sitting on his own, mesmerised by the story time book. He was so engrossed that Mum was able to leave him, go grab something from the other side of the room and come back without him noticing at all! What a joy to witness.
We have many children for whom English is their second language. A little girl who would not speak at all last year, now will not stop in her excitement to communicate. We currently have 5 families who speak Russian, and 3 of those children have no English. Our play teaches them and connects them with other local children. In addition, we provide information, developmental milestone guidelines and support brochures for our families.
Lastly, we’re also thrilled to have a paediatric physiotherapist visiting our group once a month. Thank you and welcome to Mandi Chau!
Always Mum
Always Mum is a program at Lou’s which works with women who have children in Out of Home Care (OOHC). The mothers complete a 10-week group work program which offers comprehensive case management and advocacy, while helping them to rebuild their relationships with their children.
Photography: Anna Turner, Portrait of mother and child
Always Mum is a program at Lou’s which works with women who have children in Out of Home Care (OOHC). The mothers complete a 10-week group work program which offers comprehensive case management and advocacy, while helping them to rebuild their relationships with their children. One such way is through mothers writing letters and emails to their children. We also offer the mums the opportunity to record themselves reading a story to their children in OOHC. Children missing their mums can hear their voice. We help the mums choose an age-appropriate story which they can connect to. For example, it was Mum’s favourite as a little girl, or it’s an Aboriginal story sharing culture and belonging. Volunteer Maryanne Galea has shown such compassion in helping the mums record their stories.
Anna Turner, our volunteer photographer, has been taking portraits of the mothers for the last two years, and her framed photographs sit on many bedside tables. Having a photo that mums are proud of helps them build their self-esteem, while reflecting their hard work and the change taking place in their lives. We are very grateful to both volunteers Anna and Maryanne for their involvement with Always Mum.
International Women’s Day 2021
While International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to celebrate the achievements of the wonderful women in our lives, it’s also an opportunity to consider how far we must go to protect women and children from violence. 66 women in Australia have lost their lives as a result of violence since January 2020.*
While International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to celebrate the achievements of the wonderful women in our lives, it’s also an opportunity to consider how far we must go to protect women and children from violence. 66 women in Australia have lost their lives as a result of violence since January 2020.* Lou’s Place held a vigil in Martin Place on Monday, 8 March. 66 pairs of shoes were placed on the ground to represent each life lost. Passers-by were invited to stop, reflect and place a flower beside a pair of shoes to honour the memory of each woman who died in tragic circumstances. Women of every age are at risk of violence and death every day in Australia. IWD provides a tremendous opportunity for Lou's Place to have meaningful discussions with community members about domestic violence.
*Thank you to the researchers at Destroy the Joint. 66 known deaths were registered from January 2020 to February 2021. Thank you also to Best Buds Florist for their donation of beautiful flowers, and for their ongoing support of Lou’s Place.
Postcards from Tomorrow
Thank you to the author Kim Chandler McDonald for her tremendous effort in pulling together the book, Postcards from Tomorrow, a compilation of letters from over 270 Australian and international women to their 21-year-old selves. What would you say to your 21-year-old self? If you had the chance, what would you like young women today to read about and ponder?
Thank you to the author Kim Chandler McDonald for her tremendous effort in pulling together the book, Postcards from Tomorrow, a compilation of letters from over 270 Australian and international women to their 21-year-old selves. What would you say to your 21-year-old self? If you had the chance, what would you like young women today to read about and ponder?
With messages from women of comedy, theatre, TV, dance, broadcasting, journalism, activism, philanthropy, politics, business and innovation, solo adventurers and Olympic champions, Postcards from Tomorrow is an intimate sharing of stories that provide personal histories filled with surprise, heartbreak, delight and inspiration.
In honour of International Women’s Day, Kim and many of the letter writers have shared excerpts from their letters on social media and throughout their personal networks. Lou’s Place is proud to share an excerpt from philanthropist and Lou’s Place supporter Skye Leckie, OAM.
We are also very grateful to artist Wendy Sharpe for her original artwork throughout the book which helps to capture the emotion and unique femininity of each letter. Throughout the book, you will also enjoy entertaining shots of many letter writers at the age of 21! Of course, most haven’t changed at all.
All proceeds from the book go to Lou’s Place (Thank you again, Kim). We hope you will consider purchasing a copy (click on the link below) and sharing it with family and friends.