In a significant community initiative, 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 made to Brevet Sergeant Julie Jones, who serves in a family violence unit and has been using the gear to enhance safety for vulnerable individuals.
Police Sergeant's Mission to Keep People Safe
Brevet Sergeant Julie Jones has a clear mission in her role: "My role in domestic violence is to keep people safe." She takes this responsibility seriously, focusing on assisting victims, many of whom are women, within their homes. While various services exist to support victims, Sgt Jones identified gaps in resources for providing practical security measures.
Bunnings' Practical Support for Victims
Sgt Jones explained how the partnership with Bunnings began: "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." This led to a formal collaboration, with Bunnings inviting her to a regional gathering in 2024.
At that event, Bunnings gifted security cameras, window locks, and specially made journals for victims. Sgt Jones noted, "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." The journals feature the quote, "kind heart, fierce mind, brave spirit."
She 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, with additional gifts in subsequent years, totaling over $5000 worth of cameras and other security items. Sgt Jones emphasized, "Whenever I went to Bunnings and asked for help, for window locks or padlocks or cameras, I was never turned away."
Extending Help to Domestic Violence Shelters
Beyond individual victims, Bunnings also assists domestic violence shelters by maintaining gardens, providing a safer and more pleasant environment for residents. This holistic approach underscores the company's commitment to community welfare.
Community Heroes: The 'Hulk' Truckie's Charitable Efforts
In a related story of community spirit, South Australian truck driver Anthony Hill, known as "the Hulk" for his role in Team Avengers, has been actively fundraising for children's charities. He explains his motivation: "I'm fortunate enough not to have sick children or disabilities in my own family. I just felt that I was in a position to help other people, then that's what my role should be."
Fundraising Through Variety Bash and Food Van
Anthony is part of Team Avengers, which participates in the Variety Bash to raise money for children's charities. He says, "We set up the car for the Variety Bash and we all dress up as the Avengers – I'm the Hulk." His crew has collaborated with Bunnings on fundraising barbecues since 2016.
In 2019, Anthony acquired a food van, which he renovated during the Covid pandemic to support 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 notes. He was driven by seeing families denied help due to lack of funding.
Supporting Local Families and Children
As a "born and bred" Riverland local, Anthony witnessed families struggling to afford wheelchair-accessible vehicles. "When I found out about Variety and how they raise money and give it out and do things like provide the wheelchair-access cars and mini-buses for schools and their community programs – they help all these kids and I thought I can help all these kids through raising money for Variety," he explains.
His team visits Ronald McDonald House monthly to cater for families, ensuring children don't go to school hungry. "We feed kids so they don't have to go to school hungry – and try to get through the school day on one piece of toast," Anthony adds.
These stories highlight the impactful community partnerships and individual efforts in South Australia, demonstrating how businesses like Bunnings and dedicated citizens are making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable people.
