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Thank you During National Volunteers Week and National Palliative Care Week, volunteers at Palliative Care South-East reflected on the personal reasons behind their dedication to supporting people with terminal illnesses and their families. Betty Williams joined after witnessing the care given to close friends with cancer and now assists families through bereavement counselling. Roy Francis, volunteering for nearly eight years, was inspired after losing his wife and now provides home visits, emphasising the importance of listening and emotional support. Long-time volunteer Ambassador Halina Hili, motivated by a family loss, helps educate communities about palliative care, highlighting its role in improving quality of life and supporting families during difficult times. FOR MORE ON THIS STORY, TURN TO PAGE 4
Volunteers Jo and Betty who has been volunteering at Palliative Care South East for 35 years. (Stewart Chambers: 552077)
Prevention plea Community organisations in Casey and Greater Dandenong say recent state and federal budget commitments to addressing violence against women do not go far enough, particularly in preventing abuse before it occurs. While the Federal Government pledged more than $700 million toward tackling gender-based violence, including funding for Indigenous family
safety initiatives and reforms to the child support system, advocates argue too much focus remains on crisis response rather than long-term prevention. Wellsprings for Women chief executive Dalal Smiley said stronger investment is needed in education, cultural change and prevention programs, especially within multicultural communities. She echoed concerns from advocacy groups
that only a small proportion of family violence funding is directed toward preventative measures. The criticism comes amid alarming local statistics. Victoria Police recorded 161 family violence incidents across Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia in a single week, including serious allegations involving threats, weapons, arson and breaches of intervention orders.
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency also showed Casey recorded nearly 8,000 family violence-related offences in 2024/25, marking a significant annual increase. Local groups are now urging governments to provide stable, long-term funding for culturally specific prevention and support programs. FOR MORE ON THIS STORY, TURN TO PAGE 3
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By Jensy Callimootoo