Ballina Branch of CWA Advocates for Continued Action on Violence Against Women in NSW and ACT Communities

Title: The Tower Between

Author: Mark Kramarzewski

Price: $29.95

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing By Samantha

Elley

What would you do if you were suddenly faced with the task of keeping the world safe from creatures from other realms?

When really, you have more pressing matters.

You are failing your exams, your grandmother is dying and the girl of your dreams is dating someone else.

One night, with his friends, Zack is attacked by a creature from another realm and a secret society comes on the scene, offering them a choice.

They can have their memories erased and continue on with their normal lives, or they can join the society, known as The Tower and help defend the world against magic from the beyond.

In response to the alarming rise in the number of Australian women losing their lives to intimate partner violence this year, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW is using its annual Awareness Week campaign to emphasize the urgent need for sustained action against gender-based violence across NSW and the ACT.

CWA of NSW Awareness Week will take place from September 1 to 7, focusing on the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence, including domestic and family violence, as well as violence against women by men who are not their intimate partners. This marks the second time in fve years that the association has dedicated its Awareness Week to this critical issue, having previously highlighted domestic and family violence in 2020.

It is a no-brainer for Zack and his friends, as normal is never an option.

The gang become a part of The Tower and learn new skills they never would have been taught in school.

These skills become necessary when an ancient entity tries to invade the earth.

Mark Kramarzewski was born in Sydney, lives in Canberra and is married with two children.

He enjoys building fantasy worlds for his family and friends to play and telling the stories within.

He has since written a sequel to The Tower Between, but this is a great place to start.

You can order your copy of the book from shawlinepublishing. com.au

Lyn Davidson of the Ballina CWA Branch stressed the importance of revisiting this issue during Awareness Week, noting that the problem persists and requires renewed attention.

“We represent 8,000 women across NSW and the ACT, and we believe it’s crucial to keep applying pressure on policymakers to improve support and protections for victims of gender-based violence,” Lyn said.

During this year’s Awareness Week, the CWA of NSW is advocating for several key measures, including:

• Further reforms to bail laws to enhance the protection of victims, especially in rural and regional areas.

• Sustainable funding models for frontline victim support services, as well as services targeting perpetrator risk factors.

• The establishment of a real-time system to record, track, and share information on perpetrators across systems and jurisdictions.

• Additional resources for women facing violence in rural and regional communities, where isolation and limited services can make seeking support even more challenging.

The CWA of NSW is also committed to involving men in this year’s campaign, reinforcing the message that everyone must contribute to changing societal and cultural factors that lead to violence.

“It’s up to all of us to take action against violence when we see it, speak up against violent or oppressive language, and challenge the myths that perpetuate these behaviours. When we stand together, we can start to see meaningful change,” Lyn said.

This year, the CWA of NSW is partnering with Domestic Violence NSW, the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in NSW, and The Men’s Table, an Australian non-proft organization that promotes healthy masculinity and provides men with opportunities to discuss personal issues in a supportive environment.

“These organizations are making signifcant strides in creating positive changes in our society that can ultimately lead to a reduction in incidents of senseless violence,” Lyn added. “With their support during Awareness Week, we aim to continue the conversation around gender-based violence, acknowledging its complexities, and remain fully committed to fnding the resources and strategies needed to reverse these devastating statistics.”

LinC Alstonville: Interfaith collaboration supports elderly

LinC (Love in the name of Christ) Alstonville is a not-for-proft organisation that’s providing a lifeline to older residents on the plateau and the surrounding areas.

As part of a national network of LinC groups, the Alstonville branch is a partnership between Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, St Bartholemew’s Anglican Church, Alstonville Baptist Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Uniting Church, and Seacoast Church, Ballina.

For over 20 years the organisation’s 45 trained volunteers have assisted elderly people with social interaction, shopping, transport to appointments, support after being in hospital, and emergency assistance.

Therese Crollick, Chair of the Pastoral Council at Our Lady of the Rosary and the LinC coordinator for the Parish, shared her experience of the program’s success.

“This week we completed our 264th job for the year, so there is a signifcant need in our community, particularly given the limited number of transport options that are available in the region,” Therese explained.

Therese recounted the story of one LinC client, an elderly man with several medical issues. After his wife passed away, he became estranged from his family and found himself without the immediate support he needed.

Therese said his situation is typical of many other people LinC supports.

“Unfortunately, he had been in and out of hospital, and he didn’t have any immediate family who could help him, so we went around to his house and cleaned out his unit. He was very appreciative,” she said.

Judy Dunkley, LinC Coordinator for the Baptist Church, has been involved with the LinC program for the past fve years, during which time over 1,000 jobs completed for locals.

“I’ve lost count the number of jobs I’ve taken on myself, and I’m in my eighties,” Judy shared.

“The volunteers at LinC are wonderful people and it’s a privilege to be a part of.

There is one lady I take to an art class, who has had a stroke and has very limited communication skills, so it feels good to assist someone like that who otherwise may not be able to leave the house.” Judy said.

Therese added that regular interfaith activity across the different churches has given parishioners the opportunity to learn about distinct perspectives regarding their faith.

“We have a Thanksgiving service at a different church each year, and we hold regular morning teas together, so LinC has certainly fostered a greater openness and acceptance of other people’s faiths, which has been really positive – it is a lovely organisation to be a part of.”