Community leaders, police and government are committing to work together to address domestic and family violence on Sydney’s lower north shore.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker has met with the NSW Women's Safety Commissioner; mayors of Mosman, Lane Cove and Willoughby councils; government agencies; police and service providers at a roundtable conference to develop collaborative strategies to address domestic and family violence.
Mayor Zoë Baker said: “Domestic and family violence is a national emergency. In 2024, 78 women were killed due to gender-based violence in Australia. Today, community leaders, service providers, and state and local governments reaffirmed our shared responsibility to take action to prevent and eliminate domestic and family violence on the lower north shore.
“We need coordinated strategies and the commitment and resources of all stakeholders – including service providers, police, community leaders and all levels of government – to prevent and eradicate domestic violence.”
Invited stakeholders from the NSW Government, members of the Lower North Shore Domestic and Family Violence Network, and North Shore Police Area Command underscored the need for a coordinated, multi-agency, collaborative approach.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said: “Eliminating domestic and family violence requires a whole-of-community response. Local councils are in a unique position to lead at the community level, build trust with residents, respond to local concerns and drive lasting change.
“I remain committed to working closely with local councils to ensure all women in NSW enjoy safe homes and communities where they are respected and their children can thrive.”
As a commitment to work together to develop collaborative strategies to address this pressing issue, invitees signed the following joint statement:
We, the undersigned representing the Lower North Shore councils of North Sydney, Mosman, Lane Cove and Willoughby, government and non-government agencies, and community leaders, share a commitment to preventing and eliminating domestic and family violence, and fostering safe and respectful communities.
Domestic and family violence (DFV) remains a pervasive issue affecting individuals and families across our communities. It manifests in various forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, financial, cyber control, elder abuse and coercive control.
We unequivocally condemn all forms of DFV. It causes long-term trauma, including mental and physical health issues; strains our policing, health care, social services and legal systems; and ultimately results in societal costs and economic losses for victims / survivors, businesses and the broader community.
Our Stance Against Violence
Domestic and family violence including coercive control can affect all of us, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, location or education level. We emphatically condemn all forms of violence and seek systemic change to break the cycle of violence. Together, we stand to support victims / survivors, hold perpetrators / users of violence accountable, and work towards a future free from violence where the values of respect, equality, empathy, compassion, accountability, social justice and safety are paramount.
We commit to work together to raise awareness and take continued action in support of safe places for children and families; for autonomy and dignity to be restored to victims / survivors, acknowledging their strength and resilience; for treatment of perpetrators / users of violence, where there are no excuses for abuse; and for a voice for those escaping violence and for those who call it out.
Reflections and Commitment Moving Forward
We commit to engaging with our communities to
- foster a culture of zero tolerance to violence
- implement policies and programs that support victims / survivors and prevent violence
- advocate for improved policy responses, better funding and resources to support organisations dealing with domestic and family violence
- raise awareness, educate and train the community and professionals to recognise, refer and respond to issues of domestic and family violence
- collaborate and coordinate meaningful responses to make our communities safer.
We call on all levels of government, community organisations and individuals to join us in this vital effort. Together, we can create a society where everyone lives free from fear and violence.
Jointly signed by:
Councillor Zoë Baker, Mayor, North Sydney Council
Councillor Godfrey Santer, Deputy Mayor, North Sydney Council
Aunty Jeanie Moran, Cammeraygal Elder
Dr Hannah Tonkin, NSW Women's Safety Commissioner, NSW Government
Fiona Ng, Senior Policy and Projects Officer, Women, Family & Community Safety Directorate, Department of Communities and Justice
Sergeant Larissa Ryan, Domestic Violence Team Leader, North Shore Police Area Command NSW Police
Acting Inspector Kelsey Priestly, Domestic & Family Violence Registry, NSW Police Headquarters, Parramatta
Lisa Berg, Support and Interagency Coordinator, North Sydney Network of Schools, Department of Education
Yvette Vignando, CEO, Mary’s House Services
Michelle Povah, CEO, Women & Children First
Rachel Wolfe, Director, PARVAN Services, NSLHD
Radhe Davies, DFV Clinician, PARVAN Services, NSLHD
Kyle Westgarth, COO, Two Good Co.
Denise Ward, Executive Officer, Crows Nest Centre and Lower North Shore Safe Villages
Josie Gregory, Manager, Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS)
Wendy Bartram, Assistant Manager, Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS)
Christine Robinson, CEO, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
Margaret Maljkovic, Chief Customer Officer, Link Wentworth
Maria Comino, Community Connection Officer, LNSDV Network
Susan Elvery, Team Leader, Men's Behaviour Change Program
Merri Southwood, Mayor, Lane Cove Council
Ann Marie Kimber, Mayor, Mosman Council
Tanya Taylor, Mayor, Willoughby City Council