Pitch Up Geelong gave three local community organisations the opportunity to share the challenges facing women in our region, showcase their work and inspire the community to invest in solutions that create lasting change.
Cultura, Cloverdale Community Centre and Killara Foundation each raised more than $30,000, with the funds supporting programs that create greater opportunities, safety and pathways for women and their families.
Sew Good Cultura supports women from marginalised multicultural backgrounds to turn existing sewing skills into income through a clothing repairs and alterations social enterprise. Despite having in-demand skills, many face barriers to employment. Funding will provide training, language support, and enterprise development, building confidence, income, and financial independence.
Corrie Inei, Manager of Settlement and Community Services at Cultura was speechless at the end of event and said the result would have a significant impact on the women involved in the program.
“It’s just incredible to receive this sort of money! I can’t believe it. It will mean opportunities for more women to come in and be supported. It means we can get our repairs and alterations service started. There’s so many opportunities. It’s very, very exciting.”
The Djilang Sistas Hub by the Killara Foundation offers a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Djilang, particularly those impacted by family violence. Addressing high rates of trauma and economic exclusion, funding will support holistic services including family violence support, education and employment pathways, food security, and cultural programs, driving long-term wellbeing.
Kylie Skew, Geelong Indigenous Women’s Hub Coordinator at the Killara Foundation was delighted with the amount raised on the night and said the impact would be felt by women and families across the community.
“It is indescribable what that money will do for us at the Djilang Sisters Hub. So many women and their children supported. Necessities that we take for granted will be provided for women and children that don’t have them. I can’t even comprehend how many people it is going to help, but it is just incredible, and I couldn’t be more thankful.”
Lotus Kitchen Enterprise at Cloverdale Community Centre connects food access with skills development and community participation to build a more inclusive local food system. Responding to food insecurity, cost pressures, and social isolation in Geelong’s north, funding will support coordinated programs that grow skills, strengthen connection, and create pathways into community and economic participation.
Liz Bonner, CEO of Cloverdale Community Centre said they were overwhelmed with the response to the pitch from the women of their Lotus Kitchen program, and the money would help secure the future of the initiative.
“Literally without that money, we were on the brink of having to restructure and lose staff. I am overwhelmed. I get to keep my beautiful staff.”