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LOCAL LIFE
Community rallies to support homeless
women in the Hawkesbury
by Julie Ryan
As temperatures begin to drop across the Hawkesbury, concern is growing for a vulnerable and often overlooked group— women experiencing homelessness.
This week, the Windsor Experience group has launched a targeted campaign in partnership with The Jeremiah Project and local advocate Jacky Turano, aiming to provide immediate relief to women sleeping rough across the Hawkesbury LGA.
Organisers say there has been a noticeable increase in the number of homeless women in the region, many of whom are ill-equipped to cope with the colder autumn nights and the looming
Harry from Simons Café with Cr Shane Djuric. winter chill. Unlike more visible forms of homelessness, these women often face unique safety challenges, making their situation even more precarious.
While The Jeremiah Project works alongside several established women’ s support organisations, Jacky Turano is on the ground delivering direct, hands-on care. From offering hot showers and clean clothing to providing a warm meal and a safe space to regroup, her work focuses on meeting immediate needs while helping women consider their next steps. The campaign has already received strong community backing. Shane Djuric officially launched the appeal with a personal donation of $ 500, encouraging others in the community to lend their support to women facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
Local businesses have also stepped up, with Harry from Simon’ s Cafe donating $ 500 along with seven brand new blankets to the cause.
Residents are being urged to contribute in any way they can. Cash donations can be made in person at The Guy Stuff Store or directly at The Jeremiah Project, located at 47 Macquarie Street, Windsor, on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturdays and Sundays
from 9am to 12pm. Donations of women’ s jackets and blankets are also welcomed.
As a registered charity, The Jeremiah Project is also accepting donations via QR code, making it easy for the broader community to get involved.
With winter fast approaching, organisers say every contribution big or small will make a meaningful difference in helping local women stay warm, safe and supported during one of the toughest times of the year.
The message from those behind the campaign is clear: the need is real, the demand is growing,
and the time to act is now.
Gai Kelly and Jacky Turano with Cr Shane Djuric.
Scan to QR code and donate to The Windsor Experience Homeless Ladies Appeal
( check this box on payment check out).
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8 ISSUE 192 // MAY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT