Macarthur Bulls FC, Oakdale Workers and Pennytel launch emergency phone program for people escaping domestic violence
Community donations of old phones, plus free SIMs from Pennytel, will put a safe line of contact in the hands of people who need it most
Macarthur FC, Oakdale Workers and the club’s major sponsor, Pennytel, today launched Fresh Start, a new domestic and family violence program that gives emergency phones and SIM cards to people experiencing domestic violence.
Under Fresh Start, Pennytel and its community arm will provide emergency phones and SIMs, free of charge, to victims of domestic and family violence. The phones will come from the local community. Macarthur FC, Oakdale Workers and local supporters are being asked to donate old working mobile phones, and Pennytel will supply the SIMs for every phone at no cost.
For many people living with violence, a phone is the difference between being isolated and being able to ask for help. A person who is being monitored or controlled may have no safe way to call a support service, contact police, or speak to family and friends. A separate, private phone and SIM gives them a line they can use to make a safety plan and reach help when they need it.
How Fresh Start works
• Community members, Club members and supporters donate old working phones at home games, Oakdale Workers and the Macarthur FC offices.
• Pennytel checks and resets each phone and supplies a SIM, free of charge.
• Pennytel’s community arm provides the phones and SIMs to people in need through local support services.
• Everyone who donates is asked to remove their SIM card and sign out of all personal accounts before handing a phone in.
“Our club is part of this community, and many of our members and supporters are touched by domestic violence in some way. Fresh Start is a simple idea. Phones that are sitting in a drawer can become a lifeline for someone who has nowhere to turn. I thank Pennytel for backing this, and I ask everyone in the Macarthur community to look at home and donate an old phone.”
Gino Marra, Chairman, Macarthur FC
“Communications play a vital role in personal safety, which is why Pennytel is proud to support Fresh Start. It is a great community program, and we are glad to back our partners in delivering it.”
Ante Zizic, CEO, Pennytel
How to donate: Bring an old working mobile phone to Oakdale Workers, the Macarthur FC offices or any home game. Please remove your SIM card and sign out of your accounts first.
Where to get help: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). For confidential support with domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463, both open 24 hours a day.
You can read the Policy document for this initiative: here
