Textiles group weaves into hearts of victims

A creative textiles group has weaved their way into the hearts of domestic violence victims in the South West.

The Stirling Street Arts Centre Creative Textiles Group today presented Waratah Support Centre with a $600 donation which was raised through events the group held over the year.

Group leader Rhonda Tomerini said they had been around for 35 years and provided support and friendship for women in the community.

The group is stitched together through a love of fabrics, sewing and their creativity is put to use in a variety of ways, she said.

Ms Tomerini said it was a pleasure to present Waratah with the donation to help support women affected by domestic violence.

“Several worthy charitable groups were nominated at the beginning of the year and the group overwhelmingly voted for Waratah because of the benefit it offers to the local community,” she said.

Waratah Support Centre chief executive officer Trudi Ruane said the donation would go towards developing a therapeutic women’s group to support victims of domestic violence.

Mrs Ruane said the textile group was built on the fabric of the community, supporting women in a number of ways for many decades.

“Groups like this keep the community together and they give back through donations like the one they have made today,” she said.

“We will be able to use the money for at least a 15 week therapeutic support group for women.”