Toora celebrates 25 years of helping women in need

Released 12/08/2008

The Minister for Homelessness and Women, Ms. Katy Gallagher MLA was pleased to join with Toora Women Inc in celebrating 25 years of dedicated service to women in the Canberra community at a special birthday celebration. Toora provides a range of accommodation and support services for single women, who are experiencing disadvantage in the ACT.

Ms Gallagher reflected on the importance of the work that is carried out by organisations such as Toora Women Inc. in supporting people who are experiencing homelessness and other disadvantage.

"Toora has been providing a valuable service to assist single women in need, in the community for 25 years," Ms. Gallagher said. "This is a great achievement and reflects their dedication and drive to assist those women in need."

"Toora has, during this time, also played a pioneering role in the advocacy and promotion of issues affecting women in our community."

Ms Gallagher, on behalf of the government also today announced the details of new services for women experiencing crisis to be provided by Toora Women Inc.

"Today I am very pleased to announce additional services that will be supported by the ACT Government, to be provide for the establishment of a ‘day refuge' facility at Toora House, and an ‘Older Women's Service."

The Government has provided a designated property for older women as part of this service, as well as outreach support.

"Toora's approach to service delivery has always recognised the importance of addressing issues that impact on homelessness and disadvantage for women, particularly mental health and drug and alcohol issues" she concluded.

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