Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Zion House

Mr R SMITH (Warrandyte) (13:09): Today I rise to speak about the fantastic work that Zion House do in the Warrandyte electorate and the wider community. Zion House is a non-profit organisation committed to working with women with life-controlling behaviours and supporting them as they go through these difficult circumstances. Sarah and Jacqui first started Zion House in Warrandyte with a simple meeting space for individual and small-group mentoring services, with a holistic focus on healthy lifestyle choices. Zion House is now holding their flagship nine-week ‘Shine’ program, focusing on worth, strength and purpose. This program has been made possible with the generous support of the local Warrandyte Community Bank and has had 65 women participate.

Zion House is committed to making a community atmosphere for these women and does so through their weekly social gatherings, allowing these women to obtain a sense of belonging. As a growing organisation, Zion House is looking to expand its reach and, as such, needs a new space to hold larger group meetings and office space to continue their great work. I ask the Minister for Women to meet with Jacqui and Sarah from Zion House to see firsthand the great work they are doing and see what assistance the government can offer to support this growing and vital service that Zion House offers the wider community. Indeed, if any other member in this house believes they can support Zion House, please let me know. Once again, I want to put on the record my thanks and congratulations to Zion House for the tremendous work that they are doing.