Wollondilly Shire Council has installed a recycled phone bin at its customer service centre in the lead up to domestic violence prevention month during May.
The installation is part of council’s participation in this year’s safe phone program, which aims to repurpose old phones and give them to people in domestic violence situations to support their access to help when it is most needed.
There are drop-off locations right across Australia, and the council administration building in Menangle Street Picton has now been added to the list.
“It is crucial that every victim of domestic violence has access to a safe phone to call for help when they are in need,’’ says Mayor Matt Gould.
“There are over two million known victims of domestic violence in Australia and often people don’t know the best way to help, so this is a practical way to provide assistance to those who most need it.
“Wollondilly Council is delighted to support this great initiative, which was raised by Councillor Brandstater at a recent council meeting.
“I’d like to thank Cr Brandstater for bringing the proposal to Council,” he said.
Wollondilly residents are able to make a real difference during domestic violence prevention month during May and beyond, by donating their old phones.
They can drop them off at the council administration building in Menangle Street, Picton.
Information on how to prepare pre-used phones for donation is available on the domestic violence safe phone website https://dvsafephone.org/donate-phones
Funds can also be donated to help support the program including paying for replacement parts, SIM cards, phone credit and engaging specialist technicians at https://dvsafephone.org/
Pictured above are Mayor Matt Gould with Councillor Suzy Brandstater and the drop-off box.
