Bunbury business owner recognised for helping women’s refuge

An ongoing kind gesture to women in need has landed one South West business owner with Statewide recognition.

Advanced Autos owner Nathan Reed won a Community Services Excellence Award from WA Council of Social Services last month for his work in fixing up old cars for women at South West Refuge.

Mr Reed uses his own time, money and resources to repair vehicles, which are often donated, and gives them to women from the refuge.

In his acceptance speech, he told the audience that he was not the hero, but the women who worked at South West Refuge were for their daily commitment to helping those in need.

All they need is help to get back on their feet.

Refuge CEO Ali White said they nominated Mr Reed for the award to recognise him for all his good work in supporting women and children in flight from domestic violence.

“It’s extraordinary that a local business would do that to help us,” she said. “We service more than 500 families a year and many of them come to us with nothing.

“When they’re presented with a vehicle and they’ve been through trauma, it means a lot that they can have this one thing and regain some freedom.”

Mr Reed said he was happy to donate his time and skills to help women at the refuge.

“All they need is help to get back on their feet,” he said.

“This business isn’t about lining my pockets ... I believe I was put on this Earth to do something, and that’s to make a difference.”