A remarkable partnership between the Christian Outreach Church, Zonta Club of Noosa, Noosa Council and the local community has brought about the “Safe Homes in Noosa Everyday!” (S.H.I.N.E!) Project to provide much-needed accommodation for people escaping domestic and family violence.

Christian Outreach Pastor and Chairman of the S.H.I.N.E! project, Michael Clift and Mayor Bob Abbot today announced that over just two weekends in June, three two-bedroom “safe homes” will be built for S.H.I.N.E! on approximately one acre of Council land adjacent to the Noosa Heads Police Station in

“This comes about thanks to enormously generous community support,” said Pastor Clift.

Christian Outreach will co-ordinate the construction programme and designer Paul Clout, who has opened his heart to this cause, has designed the buildings and, along with a number of tradesmen and volunteers will ensure the project will be a success. Our church doors will be closed on Sunday, June 12, as we put our efforts practically to the task at hand; we care about our community.

Most materials, expertise, labour and furnishings have been pledged by local business people, though there is still opportunity for the community to be involved.

Council has agreed to cover the costs involved with water supply, sewerage and earth works – as well as contributing the lands.”

Cr Abbot and domestic violence advocate Cr June Colley are overwhelmed at the level of support generated by the S.H.I.N.E!. Project as well as the partnership between the church, business sector local council and local radio stations. This project could become a pilot scheme for many other communities in Australia.

"Domestic violence was labeled by local police as the No. 1 problem in this community,” explained Cr Abbot, “compounded by the fact that victims and their children seeking safe havens previously had to relocate out of the Shire. This meant that at a time of personal crisis they also lost the support base of neighbours and friends and, in the case of children, had to change schools.”

Cr Colley said the two-weekend effort would be a milestone for Noosa illustrating the generous spirit of many local business and trades people. “It will be a celebration, we will have barbecues going, and volunteers will wear S.H.I.N.E !

T-shirts and receive top hospitality in return for their efforts.

The S.H.I.N.E! project is only in its infancy”, she explained, “and I believe it will expand over time. With around an acre of land, there is ample room to grow on the site. The dwellings will be built to suit the surrounding environment and once constructed, expressions of interest to supervise the area will be called from existing community organizations specializing in this field.”

If you wish to contribute in any way, financially, materials or service, please contact Glen Elmes on 54473133.