Pre Paid and Pre Arranged Funerals Available
Australian Owned & Operated
SERVING ALL SUBURBS www. familyfuneralservices. com. au
LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Wash House Inc
by Lorna Gordon
For more than four decades, the WASH House in Mount Druitt has been a place of strength, safety, and empowerment for women across Western Sydney. Founded in 1982, the organisation- whose name stands for Women’ s Activities and Self Help Housing Inc.- was created through the passion and persistence of a small group of local women and workers from Essie’ s Women’ s Refuge.
These remarkable women saw firsthand needs of the rapidly growing number of women escaping domestic violence and relocating to public housing in the Mount Druitt area. Their vision became the foundation of a service that has continued to grow in both scope and impact.
On December 10 last year, the WASH House, together with Courageous Pasifika Voices, hosted a Domestic Violence Walk against Gender-Based Violence. This important community event invited locals to unite, raise their voices, and say“ no” to violence. The impact of domestic and gender-based violence across Mount Druitt and surrounding communities has been significant for many years, and this walk served as a powerful reminder that healing begins when communities stand together. The day included free activities provided by local service providers, performances, and a free barbecue generously supported by Mount Druitt Westfield Shopping Centre.
Much like the washing machine
that inspired its name, the WASH House operates on several‘ settings’. It is a community-based resource centre providing support, information, and practical pathways to other services and its aim is simple, to reduce the impact of poverty, social disadvantage, and violence on the lives of women and their families. To achieve this, the WASH House delivers women-centred, culturally sensitive, and accessible services across the Blacktown and Penrith LGAs.
On an individual level, the WASH House focuses on helping women recognise their self-worth, improve their quality of life, and reach their full potential. Services include counselling, specialist casework, domestic and family violence support, gambling awareness, redress support, and group programs such as meditation sessions. Many women who walk through their doors are seeking a safe first step and the WASH House ensures they receive information, advocacy, resources, and referrals tailored to their needs.
The organisation also plays a vital community development role. By actively collaborating with interagency networks, forming strategic partnerships, and supporting whole-of-community initiatives, the WASH House works to build social capital and create opportunities that strengthen the wellbeing of the local area. Community consultations, education, and outreach ensure that women’ s needs remain central to local services and programs.
The WASH House is a resource for women across the Blacktown area and beyond.
The WASH House delivers women-centred, culturally sensitive, and accessible services across the Blacktown and Penrith LGAs
Beyond the local level, the WASH House continues to advocate for systemic change by being committed to keeping women’ s issues on the public agenda. They amplify the voices of women experiencing social, economic, and locational disadvantage ensuring they are not left behind.
From its humble beginnings to its ongoing evolution, the WASH House stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of community.
You can find information about the organisation online at www. washhouse. org. au.
Compassionate, Personalised Funeral Services AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED
Rely on us to:
• Gently guide you through all planning and arrangements
• Assist in obtaining all necessary certificates and registering documents
• Answer all of your questions
• Carry out your requests
• Be there to provide support through this emotional time
Pre Paid and Pre Arranged Funerals Available
Australian Owned & Operated
SERVING ALL SUBURBS www. familyfuneralservices. com. au
( 02) 9672 6188
8 ISSUE 58 // JANUARY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT