Still going strong: The WASH House celebrated its 30th anniversary this month. Pictured are staff during a recent visit by Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop. Pictures: Michael Szabath
IT HAS grown from a $7000 grant and a part-time worker to receiving 5000 phone calls a year.
Mount Druitt MP Richard Amery led tributes to Womens Activities and Self Help (WASH) House on its 30 years service to Mount Druitt.
WASH House celebrated its anniversary at its annual general meeting earlier this month.
"I recall when the WASH House was established at a former Department of Housing dwelling in Bidwill," Mr Amery said.
"It started to expand to such an extent that it outgrew its premises. It moved to its current premises [in Mount Druitt] after a battle with government departments to secure the site. From this location, the WASH House has gone from strength to strength."
Mr Amery hasn't forgotten the service's instrumental role in the successful campaign for a court house in Mount Druitt.
"They pointed out that the situation where domestic violence victims had to be asked to go to Penrith Court to take action, was a deterrent to women seeking help," Mr Amery said.
"This was highlighted when a case was reported that both the offender and the victim where on the same train going to Penrith causing much tension and stress."
WASH House provides help and activities for all women.
"We have a four to six-week waiting list on our crisis counselling service," manager Catherine White said.
"There are lots of fantastic things we aren't doing that we could and should be."