For feminist activity in the community
Leonie McGuire’s indefatigable work to ensure adequate services for women and children escaping domestic violence has saved lives on the Mid North Coast of NSW. She has also inspired others to campaign in light of funding cuts and regressive government policies against women’s refuges.
Leonie spent many years working with the Taree Women’s Refuge. When the service was transferred to a church group following the ‘Going Home, Staying Home’ tender process, feminists, including Leonie, were unhappy with the services provided. Leonie lobbied the local community and NSW Opposition for support in what became the ‘Restore Our Refuge’ Campaign (ROR) to return the refuge to feminist management.
She has hosted many community forums to raise awareness of domestic violence, and played a part in establishing a ‘Me Too Domestic Violence’ website.
Leonie’s commitment to supporting women affected by domestic violence has made a longstanding feminist difference for women in her region.
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Photograph courtesy of Josh Garrard.
