Stories: Staff from the WASH House in Mount Druitt had the opportunity last Wednesday to share their stories with deputy opposition leader, Julie Bishop. Go to stmarysstar.com.au for more photos. Picture: Michael Szabath
Stories: Staff from the WASH House in Mount Druitt had the opportunity last Wednesday to share their stories with deputy opposition leader, Julie Bishop. Go to stmarysstar.com.au for more photos. Picture: Michael Szabath
WOMEN'S Activities and Self Help (WASH) House manager Catherine White may have pleaded the case for funding to a future deputy prime minister last week.
Federal deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop visited the Mount Druitt facility as part of the Coalition's policy listening tour.
She learned how the WASH House has grown from one part-time worker and a $7000 grant in 1982, to a highly sought-after service that takes more than 5000 calls a year.
The WASH House will celebrate its 30th anniversary at its annual general meeting this month.
Ms White and staff addressed concerns with Ms Bishop and western Sydney senator Marise Payne regarding the high percentage of informal votes at the recent council elections and the difficulty of attracting sustainable, long-term funding.
The WASH House receives recurrent state funding but currently no federal funding.
"The list is endless," Ms White said.
"We have a four- to six-week waiting list on our crisis counselling service. There's lots of fantastic things we aren't doing that we could and should be."
Senator Payne offered to lend her support when it applies for funding and plans to return to the WASH House in her role as Opposition spokeswoman on housing to discuss homelessness.
"It's the single biggest issue, outside domestic violence, we face every day," Ms White said.
It was Ms Bishop's first visit to Mount Druitt and she vowed to return before the next election.
"I was delighted to have the opportunity to be here and to meet these women who provide wonderful support for women in need, " she told the Star.
"They have a highly respected place which deserves support."
She also met Liberal Chifley candidate and new Blacktown councillor Isabelle White.
"We're sending a clear message to the community that we'll put forward the best representation and I believe Isabelle will appeal [to] and attract considerable support."