Join the Board of a for-purpose organisation providing tailored, holistic and trauma informed care to women and mothers with their children, experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

About Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter:

Hornsby Ku-ring -gai Women’s Shelter (HKWS) is a for-purpose organisation providing tailored, holistic and trauma informed care to women and mothers with their children, experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

We are community based and volunteer led.

Our experienced caseworkers empower women through evidence-based practice to support personal growth, and the development of life skills, for a future that is self-reliant. Through our partnerships, women can access health care, legal assistance, financial counselling, employment opportunities and other targeted support.

HKWS offers three services,

• Crisis accommodation for up to three months;
• Long term accommodation for women over 55 for up to two years;
• Outreach support for women and families living in the community.

The shelter was established in 2015 in response to an identified need in the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai area to provide a safe place for women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

About the HKWS Board:

The HKWS board has nine members with a diverse mix of professional expertise and life experience. All are highly committed to HKWS’s purpose and values: Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Advocacy, Empowerment. The Board is the governing body with overall accountability to women in crisis, paid staff, volunteers, donors, partners and supporters.

The Board meets six times a year, alternating face to face and online meetings. Each Board member chairs a committee and these committees meet monthly. Board members are encouraged to bring their expertise and energy to helping HKWS grow its impact, influence, and sustainability.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for individuals with:

• A commitment to diversity, equality and bringing about real and lasting change;
• Critical and strategic thinking and effective decision-making;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• A collaborative, kind and positive attitude.

Previous experience on the board of a for-purpose organisation is desirable.

You will also bring expertise and/or experience in one or some of the following areas:

• Philanthropy and partnerships;
• Fundraising, relationships and donor care;
• Community engagement;
• Grant writing;
• Corporate governance and risk management.

Candidates should have a strong commitment to supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness with an intersectional lens through which to address gender justice and social inclusion. We believe that diversity will make us a stronger organisation and we particularly encourage candidates with lived experience of domestic violence / homelessness.

HKWS is committed to being an inclusive organisation and we work to ensure diversity in the profile of our board and volunteers. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender identity, race and ethnicity, or religious beliefs.

All board members are required to have a current Working with Children Check and National Police Check.