Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Go Girls Foundation

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (13:54): For 17 years Go Girls has been transforming the lives of hundreds of Victorian women. The Go Girls Foundation empowers women who are at risk in both Melbourne and regional Victoria. The foundation supports women who have experienced domestic violence, social isolation and homelessness by assisting them to become work ready and financially independent. Go Girls’ purpose is for every woman to have a plan. Go Girls’ goal is for every woman to feel confident and in control of their life by supporting them to create a vision for their own future. It is a safe, supported environment. Go Girls Foundation connects, honours and celebrates women.

Last month I attended the graduation of the 2024 Gippsland Go Girls and met them and their alumni, and I am wearing a brooch made by a beautiful lady from Wonthaggi. Michelle Jobson and Rita Bottomley established this, and it runs purely on philanthropy. For sustainability of the program and to raise community awareness Go Girls is holding an event on 17 October called the 100KM Challenge in the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre at Albert Park. It is designed to raise funds. Former Commonwealth Games champion Tamsyn Lewis Manou is their ambassador, and I invite everybody to look up Go Girls and add their support. This is really life-changing for many of our women across Victoria.