Sunshine Coast Council, alongside organisations Entag and Moorup, have worked together to donate 40 mobile phones to a Sunshine Coast based not-for-profit organisation, which supports victims of domestic and family violence by providing them with a vital means of communication.
The donations have collectively helped the organisation, DV Safe Phone, which collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence.
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor, David Law, said that providing victims with vital communication is a small way to show support.
“Donating these safe phones is a small way we can support those affected by domestic and family violence,” Cr Law said.
“An estimated eight million Australians have experiences physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15.
“If you have any spare or unused phones, I encourage you to donate these to DV Safe Phone. These ‘Safe Phones’ provide a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most.”
DV Safe Phone Founder, Ashton Wood, said that a mobile phone is often one of the first personal items to be destroyed, monitored or taken during domestic violence, leaving the victim isolated from support.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Sunshine Coast Council, Entag and Moorup we will be able to protect another 40 domestic violence survivors, with a phone they can use to keep themselves safe,” Mr Wood said.
DV Safe Phone has donation boxes across the Sunshine Coast, including some Council Customer Service Centres and Libraries. To find a location, please visit the DV Safe Phone website.
Moorup Customer Success Manager, Tim Denholm, said Moorup donates a percentage of devices they purchase to those experiencing digital exclusion.
“Our relationship with Sunshine Coast Council enabled us to donate 40 phones in partnership to DV Safe Phone,” Mr Denholm said.
“Moorup supports people experiencing digital exclusion by collecting, securely erasing the data and preparing 5 per cent of used devices they purchase from their customers via a trade-in.
“This ensures they are ready for those in need.
“Sunshine Coast Council and Moorup are proud to be able to provide DV Safe Phone an annual donation of 40 devices, which means 40 more phones available for those most in need.”
Entag CEO, Kris Carver, said their organisation partnered with Moorup and were proud to help an important and sadly prevalent issue.
“Being a Sunshine Coast business, it’s great to be able to provide support to another Sunshine Coast based organisation like DV Safe Phone, which not only provides lifeline phones for locals, but also across Australia,” Mr Carver said.
Visit the Sunshine Coast Council’s website for more information on how you can help support the prevention of domestic and family violence.
Featured image: The donated phones being placed in a DV Safe Phone drop box. Image credit: Sunshine Coast Council.
