Bunnings Provides Over $5000 in Security Equipment to South Australian Police for Domestic Violence Protection
In a significant community support initiative, hardware giant Bunnings has donated more than $5000 worth of security equipment to South Australian police to help protect domestic violence victims in their homes. The donation was received by Brevet Sergeant Julie Jones, who serves in a family violence unit and has been utilizing the equipment to enhance safety for vulnerable individuals.
Police Sergeant's Mission to Keep People Safe
Brevet Sergeant Julie Jones has a clear mission statement that guides her work: "My role in domestic violence is to keep people safe." She takes this responsibility seriously and has found Bunnings to be a valuable partner in achieving this goal. "Our daily job is to assist victims of domestic violence within the home; the majority of them are females," she explained, noting that her unit also deals with child and family violence cases.
While many services exist to help victims, Sergeant Jones identified significant gaps in resources for providing practical security measures. "With Bunnings, I knew a couple of the co-ordinators and I'd go down and say, 'hey, can you help me out with a window lock for this lady, or a door alarm for this lady', and they have the capacity to do that within their organisation," she said.
Bunnings' Ongoing Support Since 2024
The partnership began in 2024 when Bunnings invited Sergeant Jones to a regional coordinators' gathering in South Australia. At this event, the company gifted her security cameras, window locks, and specially crafted journals for victims. "They put a lot of thought into making these journals for victims. Because sometimes it can be very difficult – but helpful – for victims to put the things they have been through into writing," Sergeant Jones noted.
The journals feature the inspirational quote: "kind heart, fierce mind, brave spirit." Sergeant Jones expressed deep gratitude, stating, "I'm so humbled by these women at Bunnings. We helped 30 women in that first year security-wise."
The support continued into the following year, with additional donations of cameras and other security items bringing the total value to over $5000. "Whenever I went to Bunnings and asked for help, for window locks or padlocks or cameras, I was never turned away," Sergeant Jones emphasized. She also highlighted that Bunnings assists domestic violence shelters by maintaining their gardens.
Community Support Extends to Children's Charity
In a related community effort, South Australian truck driver Anthony Hill, known as "Hulk" from Team Avengers, has been collaborating with Bunnings since 2016 to raise funds for children's charities. Hill participates in the Variety Bash, an annual Outback drive that raises money for disabled children, and has been conducting fundraising barbecues with Bunnings.
"I'm fortunate enough not to have sick children or disabilities in my own family," Hill said. "I just felt that I was in a position to help other people, then that's what my role should be." He cited his Christian values as motivation for helping others.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hill converted a food van to support fundraising for Variety children's charity and Ronald McDonald House. "The money I make through the food van goes back into helping with fundraising, sponsoring our cars," he explained. His team visits Ronald McDonald House monthly to cater for families, ensuring children don't go to school hungry.
Hill, a Riverland native, was inspired to help after seeing families struggle to access government support for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. "It was a constant thing where they would have to fundraise to get what they needed," he recalled, praising Variety for providing such vehicles and community programs.
These initiatives are part of the broader Back Australia series, supported by various Australian companies including Bunnings, highlighting community-driven efforts to address social issues across the nation.
