Turning old phones into safe phones

An old mobile phone may be a lifeline to someone living in domestic violence.

As part of its commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence, Drouin Rotary Club has supported and co-ordinated local collection of old phones to be re-purposed as safe phones for people living in domestic violence.

Rotarians have supported the DV Safe Phone organisation (dvsafephone.org) through promotion of the project; collection of old phones; sending them to the organisation for resetting and refurbishment; and, working with organisations to ensure the phones are given to persons leaving domestic violence by agency partners.

Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham has supported the program as a collection point at his Smith St, Warragul office. The Drouin Bendigo Bank branch also will accept donated phones.

Quantum Warragul has registered as an agency partner to distribute phones to clients.

"As a registered DV Safe Phone agency partner, Quantum can now access refurbished mobile phones to provide practical support where access to a phone may enhance safety, connection to services and recovery," Quantum general manager family violence and prevention Leslie Smith said.

Quantum acknowledged Drouin Rotary, DV Safe Phone and local partners for their commitment to the important initiative and for working together to support safer, stronger communities.

Drouin Rotary Club's support for the DV Safe Phone project is part of the club's commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence,
Two years ago, the presidents of nine clubs in the newly formed Strzelecki Community Group of Rotary, which included Trafalgar, Warragul and Drouin clubs, resolved to add 'Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence' to the list of seven joint focus areas.

Since then, each club has approached the in its own way. For Drouin, new purple t-shirts have been worn by members at appropriate times stating "Together we say NO to Domestic and Family Violence," as was done in May for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month for the Drouin Rotary Market, at the Drouin Kiosk while sharing knowledge of resources available, and when a number of members showed support at the 'Candlelight Vigil' in Warragul.

Drouin Rotarian Tim Wills, the former Strzelecki group Leader said "The club hoped more secure locations for collection of old phones would become available, that more agency Partners would be identified across Gippsland and that more Rotary clubs would become actively involved."

The DV Safe Phone organisation states: "Every call for help should be answered".
Anyone with a phone they no longer use or need can drop it off to either Mr Farnham's office or to the Bendigo Bank in Drouin.