There is no doubt Penny has witnessed some beautiful moments throughout her career helping the community’s most vulnerable people. One of the most notable times was when she worked with a dog therapy program that helped young people with high needs. During this time, Penny worked with a young girl who had severe difficulties expressing herself. Penny saw this girl transform when she met a therapy dog with whom she found an instant connection! Though this connection, the young girl finally found the strength to tell her story. Penny notes ‘this moment was 6 or 7 years in the making. She clearly wanted to tell her story, but couldn’t find the words or inner strength until she met this dog. The dog changed her life that day!!’
Penny grew up in Sydney and studied law while working in criminal law with the NSW Police Service. She was admitted as a solicitor but soon realised her passion was not in practising. Instead, Penny worked in horse training for a while, which she loved and which took her to the United States, Europe, the Northern Territory and all over Queensland. Penny eventually settled in Quirindi and got into employment, youth and family work, where she discovered she had a strong desire to help disadvantaged people.
Penny notes that the job at the WSA can be pretty challenging at times. But this doesn’t stop her doing her absolute best to help others. She notes ‘the strength and compassion my clients show daily makes everything worthwhile. Seeing the success of the staff and their wins when they help clients get back on their feet is inspiring!’
When speaking about the causes of homelessness in our society, Penny notes there are many factors. They include poverty, domestic violence, physical and mental health, addiction and the undersupply of housing. Often- homelessness can simply be caused by bad luck and circumstances. Penny notes ‘the system is set up to ‘gaslight’ women who are homeless. The responsibility is often put back onto them to solve it. At the WSA, we do our best to actively address the issues the women are having and facilitate a path towards their getting adequate housing again.’
Even though Penny is not ‘practising’ as a solicitor, she says her law degree has never been a waste. In fact, it is helpful to her work at the WSA every day. ‘My law degree taught me many things, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and a working knowledge of the law and court system. These skills allow me to be more client-centred. I can focus on helping facilitate solutions the client wants rather than relying on what the law wants to give. Sometimes we think we know what’s better for people than they do for themselves- when in reality, this is never the case!’
The shelter is always full- housing up to 35 people at a time. The majority of clients identify as Indigenous. Penny notes ‘the women staying at the shelter often become friendly with the other women. Their children also interact with each other. They not only get support from professional staff but also have the support of each other- it is heart-warming to witness!’ 
One of the first things Penny did when joining the WSA was to organise a smoking ceremony on the grounds with our local first Nations Elders. ‘The objective of the ceremony was to remove the spirit which was preventing our Indigenous clients being able to stay in our shelter. This beautiful ceremony helped bring the community together whilst promoting healing for clients.’
The Women’s Shelter Armidale is predominantly a government-funded program that is primarily funded as a homelessness program with limited funding for a specialist domestic violence response. Therefore, the shelter relies on fundraising to help provide better support for victim survivors of domestic violence.
Penny will be attending our annual UNE Law Society Law Ball where a fundraiser will be held, and all proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Shelter Armidale.
