By Amanda Wright
In a heartfelt bid to combat domestic violence and offer respite to those impacted, Broken Ballerina Inc. is teeing up its first Charity Golf Day on August 2nd, 2024. This event will serve as a vital fundraiser aiding victims of domestic violence in the wider Mackay community.
The organisation, founded by Jules and Pete Thompson, aims to provide solace, resources, and support to those navigating the harrowing aftermath of domestic violence. With an absence of government funding, the Charity Golf Day serves as a beacon of hope for Broken Ballerina's mission to provide immediate assistance for those in need.
Ausgroup employees joining for a great cause to support those impacted by domestic violence. Ausgroup is the dual naming rights sponsor of the inaugural Broken Ballerina Inc. Charity Golf Day. L-R: Andrejs Vanags, Maddy Botsman, Hope Winter, Hannah McNamara and Jules Thompson (Broken Ballerina), Isabella Byrnes, Jon Byrnes. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
Broken Ballerina’s Charity Golf Day, hosted at Mackay Golf Club, will witness participation from both businesses and individuals eager to champion this noble cause. Ausgroup Industrial Services QLD Pty Ltd, a staunch supporter, has stepped forward as the dual Naming Rights Diamond Sponsor, exemplifying their commitment to aiding their local community and supporting causes close to the heart.
Jon Byrnes, the owner of Ausgroup Industrial Services (AGIS), resonates deeply with the cause, having witnessed the perils of domestic violence firsthand during his upbringing.
Jon is driven by a profound personal commitment to support causes that aid individuals impacted by such adversity.
“Domestic violence affects too many people in the community, and I was unfortunate enough to experience it myself as a young fella,” Jon shared.
“Supporting a charity like Broken Ballerina, which doesn’t receive government funding, is essential. They fill crucial gaps and provide immediate assistance to those in need,” Jon highlighted.
His sponsorship stands as a testament to the necessity of community involvement and corporate responsibility in battling such societal challenges and urges other local businesses to support the cause.
Based in Paget, AGIS specialises in providing a range of integrated services to major industrial facilities throughout Queensland. Their expertise spans diverse sectors like mining, ports, and mills with services such as advanced access and rigging, protective coatings and cleaning.
While the Golf Day holds a serious motive, it promises to be an enjoyable affair, aiming to draw both experienced and novice golfers, irrespective of skill level or gender. Jules and Pete have ingeniously devised a mix of prizes and incentives to entice a range of players, ensuring an atmosphere brimming with camaraderie and generosity.
“It’s not just for the blokes,” Jules said.
“We will have a mix of prizes for men and women and have a few fun tricks up our sleeve to make it a really fun day.”
One of the hopes behind this event is to procure funding for a dedicated premises for Broken Ballerina. As Jules emphasises, having a dedicated location would facilitate expanded outreach and essential services, ranging from those needing emergency accommodation to basic necessities, which can offer victims a new start and a secure haven for their children.
"We really need a premises to continue the work we do,” she said.
“It would help us to secure government funding and alleviate a bit of the struggle in constantly seeking community donations.
“At the moment it’s a 7-day-per-week job for me and all hours of the day and night.
“With a dedicated space partially manned by volunteers it gives a safe space for people to go when they need immediate assistance, whether it’s to grab an escape bag, grab essentials like clothing and toiletries or receive financial support towards food and accommodation.
“It’s this immediate assistance that is hard to come by in Mackay and we’ve been filling this gap for years.”
Jules sheds light on Broken Ballerina’s crucial role, citing the soaring demand for their services and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable individuals escaping domestic violence. The funds raised from this event will directly aid these individuals, providing them with immediate resources and support.
"Just this week, we aided a lady from Townsville who fled domestic violence, seeking refuge in Mackay. People further afield are being directed to us for our support and we don’t have the large pool of funds needed to ensure safety for the most vulnerable in our community.
“It’s not uncommon for me to receive multiple calls for help every day.
“The rising cost of living is really putting pressure on a lot of families, people who may not have struggled in the past are feeling the pinch and that added stress at home is really showing through in the escalating violence we’re seeing.
“Then the mothers or fathers fleeing the violence are at risk of having their children removed by Child Services because they don’t have a permanent address.”
Yet, amid these daunting realities, Jules finds solace in the transformation stories of survivors. Testimonials from those who've turned their lives around and found sanctuary through Broken Ballerina are a testament to the profound impact of this organisation's work.
"At Legends on the Lawn, a young man approached Pete at our Broken Ballerina stand and made a donation. He told us about how we had supported him and his mother in the past, and how our assistance had been life-changing for them.
“It's moments like these that reaffirm the impact we strive to make and motivate us to continue our work," Jules reflected.
With the Charity Golf Day on the horizon, Broken Ballerina Inc. continues its relentless pursuit of being the guiding light for those ensnared in the shadows of domestic violence. The event stands not just as a golf tournament but as a collective effort to nurture hope, healing, and a new beginning for survivors striving for a brighter future.
The clubs will swing, the golf balls will soar, but most importantly, this event will propel hope and assistance to those in need, fostering resilience and triumph in the face of adversity.
Broken Ballerina Inc. founder Jules Thompson (left) and Broken Ballerina committee member Hannah McNamara are teeing up hope for survivors of domestic violence. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
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