Issue One
Contributors Sally Irwin Managing Director Kirstie Le Lievre Editor in Chief
Cassy Cameron Writer
Edward Kost Writer
Jessica Irwin Writer & Editor
Lauren Clucas Writer
Judith McGhie Editor
Nishita Dayal Editor
Abbie Melle Photographer
Janelle Pol Photographer
Contents 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 23
From the Managing Director The Vision A Year of Freedom What Freedom Feels Like Fashion for a Cause Survivor Training School Meet a Volunteer Freedom Found In the Media 6 Ways You Can Make a Stand for Freedom
Stephanie Harnn Graphic Designer
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Written by Sally Irwin
From the Managing Director
For three years, I volunteered in a small café serving free
a more permanent building for our training school, more
food and coffee to women who had been trafficked from
volunteers to run activities and more teachers to rebuild
Eastern Europe into the Berlin sex industry. This experience
lives. The days ahead are exciting and we will keep you
changed my life forever.
well informed, so you can stay involved.
The journey of The Freedom Hub began in 2008, when my
I am often asked how The Freedom Hub achieves so
family moved to Berlin, Germany as diplomats. As a short-
much, with so little resources. The answer is simple.
term posting I decided to throw myself into charity work.
The foundation of all we do is built on the culture and
I chose the issue of human trafficking because I could not
commitment of volunteers who embrace the goals ahead of
believe that slavery was still happening in this day and
us. An amazing team of world changers who are not only
age. The hopelessness of the women’s situations and my
passionate about the lives of our survivors, but are committed
inability to help sowed deep seeds in my soul.
to doing whatever it takes to move our charity forward.
On returning to Australia, I felt angry and shocked to discover that modern-day slavery happens here in my
The Freedom Hub team culture is more about ‘who we
own country. This anger turned to a resolve to see change
are’ than ‘what we do’, which means the volunteers who
happen and offer hope to people who have experienced
rise up are those who capture the ‘why’ and put it behind
this shocking crime. From that place, the idea of The
everything they do. Understanding the ‘why’ means they
Freedom Hub was birthed.
happily do whatever is needed, regardless of their skill set. While we try and make the most of individual skills, it is
To be where we are today is a credit to the many people
actually the ‘whatever it takes’ attitude that we look for. The
who have volunteered time, money and pro bono services
result is ‘above and beyond’ volunteers that produce high
to see this crime end and help the people who have
results. This multiplies our capacity, rather than just adding
survived it. You are receiving this magazine because you
to it. Ultimately, our volunteer team provide an outstanding
are one of those people, or you have shown an interest in
pool of workers to select from as paid positions come up.
being one. The idea behind this magazine is to celebrate
Volunteers will always be the core heartbeat of our cause.
our wins together.
We are very blessed to have the team we have. Everyone has fun, we do life together with a purpose and I love
As you will read in the Our Year of Freedom article, the
every one of them!
growth of our Survivor Training School has been the
Sally Irwin “Lives are being changed, survivors are being equipped to succeed, and living life to the full is becoming a reality for many who did not think it was possible.” 04
biggest highlight. It is the reason we exist, the reason you
It is my sincere hope that the motivation, heart and
are involved, and the reason the volunteer team strives
commitment of this amazing team is reflected in this
forward. We see lives go from fear & insecurity, to lives
magazine. As you scroll through these pages, perhaps
that are flourishing with a future filled with hope and ability.
you will feel moved to get more involved. I would be
The deep-set goals seeded in my heart in Berlin have come
very happy to have a coffee with you and explore options.
to fruition. Lives are being changed, survivors are being
There is no end to the possibilities. The very first step is to
equipped to succeed, and living life to the full is becoming
share this magazine with your friends. The more people
a reality for many who did not think it was possible.
who know about this important work, the better! The last page shows six ways you can help immediately.
Moving forward, we need to grow our school so we can help more lives. A Freedom Hub cafe is scheduled to open
So sit back and enjoy reading the adventure so far,
in the next few months in Waterloo, Sydney - with all the
Thank you for being a part of it,
café profits supporting the cause. We will need to find
Sally.
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Written by Sally Irwin
Photography by Janelle Pol
The Vision We want to see people living life successfully, overcoming past issues and living in freedom. It will take entrepreneurs aligning with the vision, customers supporting it, and volunteers engaging with it to make it a reality.
The heart and mission of The Freedom Hub is to rebuild the lives of survivors of modern day slavery. The vision is to pioneer a successful model of social change that helps survivors of human trafficking within Australia. We hope that this model can be a potential case study for further implementation throughout the western world. We currently run a successful Survivor Training School that rebuilds the lives of people who have experienced human trafficking in Australia. To help the growing number of survivors in Australia, this school needs to grow fast! Rather than follow the traditional charity route of constant fundraising, we have decided to build a business that funds the operation of the school. The Freedom Hub model is to create a profitable business hub operating with: -
A successful café
-
Co-packaged retail products for supermarkets, schools & small stores
-
A ‘hub’ or venue for anti-slavery activities, fundraisers and information evenings and in the
future, a safe house
-
Selected suppliers that will be partners in our vision. Our partners will provide ethical,
slave-free products and engage our clients in work experience and short-term employment
to upskill them for the workforce.
Starting in Sydney in 2015, we plan to duplicate this model in each city in Australia as we grow. It is a big vision and a brave one. We are determined to find solutions to funding community problems that are not government dependent. We are encouraged by recent investment in the vision by prominent Sydneysiders, as covered in the Sydney Morning Herald and highlighted on page 20 of this magazine. We would love to speak with more strategic partners to help this vision take flight. As the story of The Freedom Hub unfolds, we hope you will join us in pursuing freedom. There are many ways that you can be involved and make the vision your own. 06
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Written by Cassy Cameron
A Year of Freedom
Survivor Training School
A new address
The Survivor Training School is highly successful, with
In February 2015, the Freedom Hub got a permanent
tailored lessons that bring great results in the lives of
address. Our building in Waterloo, Sydney, has been
survivors. We have seen 15 survivors complete courses
generously donated and is a new signpost in the journey.
over the past year and we hope to see this figure double
We now have an office space and coffee shop meetings
by the end of 2015. You can read more about the Survivor
are an option, not a must!
Training School on page 14. The venue is already well on its way to being known as a
The Freedom Hub has celebrated its first year – and what a year it has been! Charity Manager, Cassy Cameron, has penned some thoughts on our first anniversary.
The challenge now is to find a new venue that is available
Hub for other organisations. We hope that our venue will
during weekdays and is also secure for the remainder of
house many inspiring meetings and events for like-minded
2015. As the school continues to grow in numbers, the
people fighting for freedom.
need for a larger and more available location grows. Currently, we are awaiting the green light to begin building The success of the Survivor Training School is also due to
a café on premises. The DA has been lodged and plans
the various businesses that have partnered with us to offer
are very much on their way. A recent fundraiser with some
work experience to survivors. Generously, these businesses
well-connected Sydneysiders raised nearly half the amount
have provided ‘on the job’ support and experience that
needed to fit-out the café. We have been awestruck by
helps survivors become ‘work ready.’ Successful work
the amount of donations in trades and services that have
The Freedom Hub launched in June 2014, with a handful of volunteers who gathered inside a coffee
experience results in valuable references for survivors,
been offered. Without businesses and individuals coming
shop each week. Fuelled by passion (and caffeine), we planned fundraising, awareness, outings and
which boosts their chance to secure paid employment.
alongside us and supporting the cause we wouldn’t be
tutoring with the survivors, who are the reason why the vision matters.
where we are today.
Volunteer movement
July 2014 was a significant month for The Freedom Hub, with two key fundraising and awareness
Volunteers are the arms and legs of The Freedom Hub –
Salsa to Fight Slavery
initiatives birthed. Firstly, the monthly fundraising stall at Glebe Markets began and has been
out there doing the work and making the vision a reality.
In May 2015, we held our first public fundraiser in the
successfully running for eight months. The monthly stall raises much-needed funds, as well as engaging
We have seen remarkable growth in the volunteer base,
Waterloo venue – Salsa to Fight Slavery. As almost
the community with the issue of modern-day slavery and the opportunity for freedom. You can read
with five active volunteers in July 2014 now a dynamic
100 people danced, sipped sangria and watched live
more about Glebe Markets on page 12.
group of 35 in June 2015.
paintings, we shared the vision and raised half the funds
In August 2014, we had the privilege of hosting a premiere for the movie ‘Freedom’, directed by
We are amazed at the calibre of volunteers and their
performer and activist, Peter Cousens. The film beautifully portrays the universal need for freedom
diverse skills and experience. The first year of The Freedom
and gathered around 100 people to hear the Freedom Hub vision and discover the great need that
Hub has been testimony after testimony of volunteers
With a grateful and humble heart, we look back on the
exists in our home country.
contributing their time to get things up and running. We
year and see how so many people have championed
are so grateful for the administrators who have helped set
the vision of freedom. If you would like to play a role in
The premiere opened up new networks and brought a great influx of supporters to champion the
up our office and implement and improve processes. This
fighting modern-day slavery, see page 23 to find out how
cause of freedom. Following the ‘Freedom’ screening, we were offered a safe venue, rent free, for
passionate group of volunteers form a strong foundation
you can get involved.
the Survivor Training School classes at the beginning of 2015. This has been a tremendous blessing.
as The Freedom Hub grows.
needed to send survivors to TAFE to further their goals. This
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is a huge success for our first event.
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Written by Kirstie Le Lievre
Photography by Janelle Pol
What Freedom Feels Like
When was the last time you had fun? I hope many memories spring to mind. I hope you have laughed with friends or family recently, treated yourself to something nice, sang along to a song you love or made a spontaneous decision. Life is serious enough. We all need to find ways to let the light in.
At the Christmas party in December 2014, we went
In the words of one of the survivors: “Every time I see the
paddle boating around Darling Harbour with survivors.
Opera House I think back to when I was a child and how I
We donned Santa hats and piled into the paddleboats,
dreamt of seeing it one day in person, it is a dream come
where a leisurely ride turned into splashing, chasing after
true.”
each other and giggling. Eveleigh Markets, Eveleigh One of the survivors said at the outing: “This is fun...I
In February 2015, we went on a morning outing to
haven’t had fun in twenty-seven years.”
Eveleigh Markets to explore the stalls and sample produce. The survivors enjoyed the smell of roasting coffee beans
Not a hint of exaggeration marked her voice as she stated
and seeing different coffee shops in the area, which
the fact as plainly as observing that the sky was blue. Think
was particularly exciting for one woman who is learning
about that for a moment. She could not recall another fun
barista skills.
memory in her life to date.
Visiting the markets was a casual and practical environment
The impact of outings with survivors is more than just
for the clients to put their ‘Money Matters’ training into
educational. We help to create new memories, build their
practice. The Survivor Training School runs an ANZ
confidence and orchestrate new friendships that vitally
funded ‘Money Matters’ course that teaches the basics of
nourish the seeds of hope that they have.
good money management such as making a budget and considering the value of different items while shopping.
Transformation in the lives of survivors is supported by our program of outings, and is noted by their social workers as vital to their rehabilitation and readiness for independence.
Afternoon in the Chinese Gardens, Darling Harbour
Here are a few outing highlights from the last year. We
Chinese Gardens, Darling Harbour, where tranquil
hope that they encourage you to reflect on what freedom
scenery and schools of koi swirling in the ponds made
feels like, and what these new opportunities would feel like
for a great outing. We stopped frequently along the self-
from a survivor’s perspective.
guided trail through the gardens for photo opportunities
In March 2015, we spent an afternoon exploring the
against leafy backdrops and for koi feeding. Along the Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
way, we stopped in Chinatown to watch the tanks of
A picnic in the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens was the first
seafood outside popular eateries. Our new word for the
outing for 2015, where survivors enjoyed a family-like
day was ‘crustacean’; as we watched some enormous
picnic with two volunteers, Angie and Jess, and Angie’s
crabs walk around their tank and snap their claws. Some
two boys. The afternoon was filled with simple pleasures
survivors looked on admiringly and others were less than
like tracing autumn leaves on paper, kicking a soccer ball,
impressed with the alien-like creatures!
admiring the Opera House and trying new foods. Two
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survivors tried brie cheese, tabouli and falafels along with
Would you like to get involved?
a homemade cinnamon teacake.
Find out more on page 23 of this magazine. 11
Written by Kirstie Le Lievre
Photography by Abbie Melle
Fashion for a Cause There is a lot of heart in second-hand fashion. It’s wild to imagine the lives that some of these garments have lived and places they have been before winding up in your wardrobe. Each month, a special connection happens when we meet the community at Glebe markets. The clothing and accessories that are generously donated to The Freedom Hub provide far more than funds, as vital as they are, and allows us to share our heartbeat with many openhearted Sydneysiders. When we are asked by market-goers ‘What it is that you do?’, the conversation goes something like this… ‘The Freedom Hub is all about rebuilding the lives of people in Australia who have experienced human trafficking and modern-day slavery. We partner with them to…’ ‘No, wait. Trafficking in Australia? This is happening here?’ We love an opportunity to share the good news story that lives are being rebuilt after experiencing this horrific crime. What we have learnt is: people do care and they want the opportunity to inform themselves about the issue and decide what that means for them. The success of our monthly stall at Glebe Market relies on volunteers who donate their time, the generosity of donors who provide us with quality garments and accessories to sell and the support of our community who visit us and support our work. We hope that you enjoy the beautiful flat-lay images across the page, created entirely with secondhand clothing and accessories. Thank you to Sharee and Tess from vintage clothing brand, The Gray Girls, for sharing your range with us and supporting our work. Also, thank you to the talented Abbie Melle who generously donated her time to photograph these images. Then there is you – how would you like to play a role in fighting modern-day slavery? Page 23 of this magazine equips you with six ways you can get started now.
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Written by Edward Kost
Photography by Janelle Pol
Survivor Training School Imagine walking into a classroom for the first time, nervous energy coursing through your body. You wonder what this new experience will be like. Then you see familiar faces. You let yourself smile and the rigidity in your body loosens. You’re going back to school, and you can barely believe it. You have the chance to freely learn, perhaps for the first time. You are starting to believe in yourself again. You are letting
Students particularly enjoy the opportunity to express their
There are three qualities that we look for in all our teachers:
yourself dream again; allowing your mind to wander and imagine a better future for yourself. The jitters in your belly feel
creativity and learn how to take care of themselves with
1)
Patience. All the students are at different levels,
like excitement now. You can see your goals. You know what you are aiming for, and will happily tell anyone who will
the ‘Beautiful YOU’ course. The opportunity to have a
so it is important to understand that it could take
lend an ear and listen.
‘makeover’ is a particularly moving one, as students feel
longer than expected to cover certain lessons.
I hope that this small story gives you an insight into what it feels like for a survivor of modern-day slavery to attend school
cared for, appreciated and beautiful.
2)
Adaptability. Think outside the box and adapt
again.
Other classes have been designed to teach the students
the lesson to suit the clients’ learning needs.
about emotional intelligence. Learning emotional and
3)
A positive and energetic personality. The students
behavioural traits and how they affect long-term decision-
love having classes that are exciting, interactive
making and problem solving helps the survivors to be
and can also make them laugh. There is a huge
able to recognise how to manage different situations in
difference in results when the students attend
everyday life.
classes that are interactive and enjoyable.
Training for the future
Survivor classes
One of the most powerful tools for rebuilding the lives of
The aim is to equip students with practical skills such as
survivors of modern-day slavery in Australia is the Survivor
conversational English, effective communication skills,
Training School. Established in January 2015, the
interview and CV preparation and essential office skills
Survivor Training School already has fourteen students in
such as the use of Microsoft Office programs and computer
Looking forward
From the teachers
attendance who are upskilling themselves and progressing
literacy.
By 2016, the Survivor Training School hopes to have
In Charity Manager, Cassy’s words, her most memorable
towards being ‘work ready’ with ten unique courses.
The “Australian Culture” course helps the students feel less
over 40 students enrolled in courses and a wider range of
moment at the Survivor Training School was when three
While there are many study institutions in Australia, the
like strangers in a far away land, teaching them all about
subjects on offer such as: music, cooking classes, maths,
clients joined the school and integrated almost immediately
unique needs of a survivor require that classes are tailored
Australian history, colloquialisms, culture and introduces
English writing skills, art and ‘next steps.’ ‘Next steps’
with the existing students.
to their needs, they receive individualised help and that
them to some of our traditional cuisines.
covers topics such as moving out, financial investments,
“When sharing with the students how proud I felt to see
the classroom environment is a safe place where they are
“Money Minded” is an ANZ accredited course that
community engagement, travelling, driving lessons and
them being so accepting, they responded with: ‘That is
not retraumatised.
helps clients manage their finances; teaching them
more.
what we learnt at the Freedom Hub - to accept others and
The ten classes on offer can be tailored to each student’s
everything from everyday banking to budgeting, tax and
help them!’”
superannuation. Money management is such a practical
One of the more immediate goals is to equip the school
Teacher, Claire Purkis, said of her opportunity to work
aspect of becoming ready for independence and having
to offer accredited government recognised courses, which
with the survivors: “I love these classes, I love teaching the
the freedom to make choices.
would see students receive qualifications upon completion
clients, I just love it!”
of courses. But, no individual can whistle a symphony.
Would you like to partner with us to see the Survivor
The exact location of the Survivor Training School cannot
The “Work Ready” course ensures that the students do
It takes an entire orchestra to play it. The Survivor
Training School expand and impact more survivors’
be disclosed, for the safety of its students. However, the
not fall into the trap of slavery again by helping them
Training School desperately needs more teachers who
lives? Are you interested in using your skills to train and
impact this school has already had upon the lives of its
to understand their rights and responsibilities within the
are passionate about equipping students to live a life of
upskill survivors? See page 23 of this magazine for more
students, carols an aria to be heard by all.
workplace.
freedom.
information about how you can get involved.
needs and with their goals in mind. Classes are specifically designed to help the students participate effectively in Australian society and become ready to work in their chosen field.
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Interview by Lauren Clucas
Meet a Volunteer
Angela is a volunteer with The Freedom Hub. She works with students at the Survivor Training School and coordinates the survivor outings. We spent five minutes with Angie to find out why The Freedom Hub matters to her and what she has been involved in so far.
Angie, tell us a bit about yourself.
help them be successful in the workforce. I also organise
I consider myself very lucky to have lived such a full life.
outings where they can discover more about Australian
By profession, I am a photographer, and I love to travel.
culture, create new memories and enjoy a day out with
I’ve been married to a great man for ten years this year.
good company. It is wonderful working with survivors and
We lived overseas for many years and had our two sons.
what affects me most is their gratitude for everything we
At present, we have relocated back to Australia and are
do – it is overwhelming.
back settling into Sydney life. We are enjoying seeing our I understand you are also doing a 10km run to
family grow up on the beaches.
create awareness for The Freedom Hub? When did you first start getting involved in The
Yes, I am! On July 12 I will be running in the ‘Real
Freedom Hub, and what inspired you to do so?
Insurance Harbour Run’. It is a scary goal for me, however
Mid 2014, I met Sally (the founder) and heard about what
I believe actions speak louder than words. I am in training
she was doing with her team to impact the lives of those
mode as we speak, which is tough. When I am training, I
affected by modern-day slavery in Australia. I was so
think about why I am running and that keeps me focused
shocked and deeply saddened when I learnt about the
and motivated. My training begins at sunrise and as I
scale of slavery in Australia and wanted to contribute to
start running, I think of the survivors who have a new day
overcoming this great injustice. So, I started volunteering.
ahead of them because of a cause such as ours. This is such a great encouragement and a real motivator.
How are you involved with the Freedom Hub, and how has it impacted you personally?
The work of The Freedom Hub is made possible because of
Initially, I began volunteering as a teacher for the ‘Office
our dynamic volunteer team. If you are passionate about
Skills’ class for survivors. These classes are conducted once
seeing lives transformed by freedom and want to volunteer,
a week and help survivors learn practical office skills to
you can find out more on page 23 of this magazine.
Angie Guestrau 16
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Written by Jessica Irwin
Photography by Janelle Pol
Freedom Found Walking along the main streets of Sydney, you are likely
Unfortunately, Hannah’s loss of freedom cannot be reduced
to find whatever cuisine you crave. From a hole-in-the-
to one moment. The full extent of her situation was not
wall café on the corner to the sprawling food courts of
revealed as the passport left her hands, and her freedom
shopping malls, Sydney boasts a wide variety of eateries
didn’t vanish as she crossed the threshold of the garage.
and restaurants. And it is not just the eating we enjoy.
Hannah’s freedom was lost through the gradual erosion of
Jamie Oliver and Donna Hay are respected names in my
her trust and confidence in the seemingly endless months
household, and television shows like My Kitchen Rules
that followed.
and MasterChef continue to entertain audiences across Escaping from her employers was only the beginning of
Australia.
Hannah’s journey to find freedom. She continued to search It is no surprise that the opportunity to learn from a Sydney
for freedom through her broken trust when she met other
restaurant would be an appealing offer to a foreign
women who had survived similar situations. She fought
restaurant owner. Hannah jumped at the chance, as
for it when she asked The Freedom Hub to teach her
she looked for ways to improve her own business. Her
the necessary skills to re-enter the workforce. She chose
accommodation, a working visa and salary would be
freedom over fear when volunteers helped her search for
provided for.
a new job. She took hold of it as she agreed to work for
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a Freedom Hub partner company. With freedom found, When Hannah arrived at her new job, her employer
Hannah saved up enough money to return to her home
asked for her passport. She obliged. Later that night, she
country and run her restaurant again.
was shown the promised accommodation. A garage. She would be locked in this same garage after completing
Hannah’s story is not just a cautionary tale of slavery and
each gruelling day at work.
deception. It is a story of survival, finding freedom and overcoming adversity. I believe in the ability of individuals
The simplicity of the situation strikes me. My mind’s eye
to rebuild their lives when given the opportunity, and I have
shows me a picture of Hannah reaching to hand her
seen firsthand the determination of survivors to continue
passport over, or entering the garage for the first time to
stepping forward, even when fear feels insurmountable.
put her luggage down. I wish I could cry out for her to stop, in the same way that I would yell in frustration to the
You can play a role in each survivor’s journey. See page
unwitting victims of a horror film. Isn’t the danger obvious?
23 to find out more.
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Hannah is not the survivor’s real name. 18
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Article by Kate Aubusson
In the Media
Slavery Meets Sydney’s Elite at Freedom Hub Charity Event 10 June 2015, Sydney Morning Herald.
Human trafficking is something often thought of as the scourge of faraway places, down dingy alleyways beneath the seedy underbellies of developing nations. But on Wednesday night some of Australia’s most influential people, a world removed from the realities of modern slavery, came face to face with a woman forced into servitude in their patch. Sandra was lured to Sydney from her home in the Pacific Islands in 2005 with the promise of Australian residency. All she had to do was work as a housekeeper for the family that secured her plane ticket. For the next three years, Sandra worked for no pay. She cooked, cleaned, took care of the children and massaged the lady of the house. She was threatened, abused and unable to leave or contact her family. “I am living proof that slavery happens in Australia,” Sandra told the crowd of Sydney’s elite.The message sank in, and so did the method of amelioration. Freedom Hub, the host for the evening, is the only Australian charity dedicated to rebuilding the lives of victims of slavery in Sydney. At least 3000 people are living as slaves in Australia, according to the 2013 Global Slavery Index.
The registered charity offers these women one-on-one mentoring, courses in English, communication and employment skills, and support to combat the insecurities and emotional scarring that were the legacies of their abuse. Mrs Irwin had attracted high profile benefactors to expand the program, such as Pacific Equity Partners’ managing director Tim Sims, who called on those gathered at the event to use their impressive influence and money to contribute to the charity. Director of Fairfax Media, Wal-Mart and the Reserve Bank of Australia Roger Corbett is also a key supporter of the charity. The warehouse space that hosted the event had been donated by anonymous supporters to house the Freedom Hub Cafe for the foreseeable future, the profits of which would go to expanding support
In March 2013, the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Act 2013 reformed the national response to human trafficking by expanding the definition beyond sexual slavery to include forced labour, marriage, organ trafficking, and the broader offence of servitude. But little assistance is available to the victims, predominantly women, who escape. “I just couldn’t believe in this day and age slavery was still a huge problem,” Freedom Hub’s founder Sally Irwin said. Mrs Irwin, the wife of Australia’s then defence attache in Berlin, Captain Gavin Irwin RAN, saw the effects of slavery while she was volunteering in that city. “I thought: ‘What can I do here?’ “ she said. Freedom Hub now supports 14 women who escaped forced servitude after being trafficked to Australia from every corner of the world. Most found their way to the organisation via the Salvation
and education programs. The cash and in-kind donations on the night were just the beginning. A custom made $20,000 diamond, jade and white gold necklace designed by jeweller Fairfax & Roberts was offered to the highest bidder. But the message Mrs Irwin and Mr Sims pushed the hardest was the need for these movers and shakers to find a place for these women in their businesses. Through employment opportunities and support structures, the women would be able to attain the financial independence and personal freedom they were previously robbed of.
Army. Alarmingly, two women are second generation Australians of south-east Asian and Indian
“Every one of those jobs would be a blow to the evil and destructiveness of modern slavery,” Mr
background. Freedom Hub expects the number to swell to almost 40 by the end of the year.
Sims said.
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6 Ways
You can make a stand for Freedom
Awareness Let everyone know it’s happening in our own country: Facebook/freedomhuborg www.thefreedomhub.org
Contact Us
Support Support our cafe - opening soon in Waterloo. All profits will support the Survivor Training School and partner in the fight to end slavery in Australia. Fundraise Get your friends, work colleagues, gym - any group, together and run a social or sport event for our cause.
Sally Irwin Managing Director sallyirwin@thefreedomhub.org Let’s talk about strategic partnering:
Volunteer From admin to teaching, every skill is needed to ensure the Survivor Training School is successful.
supporting, employing, donating and fundraising.
Employ Can your business provide work experience or shortterm employment for survivors? We need ‘safe’ partners to work with us. Donate We have no government funding so we can personalise the help we give survivors. Your donation directly rebuilds a life.
Cassy Cameron Charity Manager cassandracameron@thefreedomhub.org
Let’s talk about helping survivors: volunteering and events. 23