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About Us

Simone Patterson, Founder, CEO and Social Worker of the Sanctuary has long held a passion for helping those less fortunate, disadvantaged or disabled. To pursue this dream she completed her Bachelor of Social Work and became a Counsellor, whilst also working with a number of welfare agencies doing case management, outside home care, and myriads of other welfare work.

In December 2015 Simone attended the Allison Baden-Clay rally and was deeply moved by the plight of women affected by Domestic Violence. At a time when the numbers of women dying or being severely injured through Domestic Violence have been increasing, she was concerned that not enough was being done by Governments to deal with the issue and decided to do something herself.

Simone purchased a property on the southern Gold Coast and began the journey of transforming it into a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. The Sanctuary was established in 2016 as a private charitable venture (Retreat For Kids Inc, Reg. number: CH2895) by Simone. Today the Sanctuary is privately funded and rely’s heavily on the generous donations and support from the community at large.

Whilst the incidence of domestic violence has not abated, the number of refuges on the Gold Coast has decreased. Simone wants to increase the capacity of The Sanctuary to cater for those women and children left in the void. Today there are over 3,000 people who are living on the streets of the Gold Coast and Brisbane? Many are women and children who are victims of domestic violence. They have no place to go, nowhere safe to sleep and no support to help them to rebuild their lives. Every 3 minutes someone in Australia telephones the police about Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence has no class barriers. Women suffering from Domestic Violence range from tertiary educated to early school leavers. The emotional traumas are the same for all victims of Domestic Violence.

Simone Patterson

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The Men from Fight Like a Pro

share their personal views on Domestic Violence

testimonials

“The Sanctuary is a place of love and community.
It’s a happy positive place. It’s a beautiful place to be…”

Simone McKeown  

“The support that the Sanctuary receives
from the community and our partners is inspiring

Simone McKeown  

Our Partners

Working together to create create long lasting community benefits.

Our Work

Empowering Women and Children to escape the cycle of Domestic Violence.

Social Hub

Connect with us. Keep up to date on Sanctuary events and latest news.

Get in Touch

Want to get involved? Contact us direct for more information.

Our Partners

Working together to create create long lasting community benefits.

Our Work

Empowering Women and Children to escape the cycle of Domestic Violence.

Social Hub

Connect with us. Keep up to date on Sanctuary events and latest news.

Get in Touch

Want to get involved? Contact us direct for more information.

The Sanctuary Women, Children & Pet's Refuge registered charity RETREAT FOR KIDS INC registration number: CH2895

ABN 18 598 200 318

CONTACT US

[email protected]

PO Box 9 Elanora QLD 4221

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