Local community groups fighting domestic violence will have a swifter impact on survivors with the recent establishment of the Angela Petersen Emergency Support fund.
The fund has been created by the Redland Foundation in gratitude for a recent bequest of $83,000 from the late Angela Petersen’s estate.
In her will, Angela Petersen expressed a heartfelt desire for her entire estate to be dedicated to aiding victims of domestic and family violence (DVF). Although the initial bequest was subsequently limited by Supreme Court’s Orders, the Redland Foundation has received 25 per cent of the estate.
Angela’s sister Pauline Davis, 83 of Alexandra Hills described her as a good and giving person.
“She would give anything to anyone who needed it. She was always donating things. She would give you the clothes off her back. She had been saying for a long time that she wanted to leave her estate to the Foundation. It was what she had always wanted,” Pauline said.
Angela worked as a nurse and married journalist Don Petersen who later worked for the New York Times. The couple had three children. On returning to Australia, she lived at various residences and later owned a motel at Moree. She moved to live at Thornlands at age 72 and was involved with the Donald Simpson Leisure Centre and was a keen gardener, boasting 500 plants in her garden.
“She would talk to a lot of women who had problems when she was on the bus trips. And her own life had moments of violence as well,” Pauline said.
“She also regularly stopped off at the markets on the waterfront at Cleveland to talk to people from the Redland Foundation.”
Angela moved to live at Salford Waters and later Regis at Birkdale. She died at age 85.
Chair of Redland Foundation, Don Seccombe said the Redland Foundation members were deeply grateful for Angela Petersen’s generous bequest, enabling the foundation to extend its support to those affected by domestic and family violence.
“This fund will be instrumental in addressing urgent needs and fostering resilience within our community.
Our Foundation will contribute further funds to this generous bequest to deliver an even greater legacy in Angela Petersen’s memory,” Don said.
President of Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Centre, Jacky Burkett said the fund would enble swift assistance to DVF survivors.
“We are appreciative of the Foundation and its Angela Petersen Emergency Support Fund which will ensure survivors receive the care and resources needed for a secure and hopeful future,” Jacky said.
Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Services has been a partner and recipient of funds held by the Redland Foundation in the past, demonstrating the strength of local partnerships.
Redlands Community Centre CEO Allison Wicks said the centre was committed to utilizing the Angela Petersen Emergency Support Fund to bolster its efforts in aiding victims of domestic and family violence.
“Together, we can create a safer and more supportive community for all,” Allison said.
The Centre for Women and Co CEO Stacey Ross said the fund would amplify support and reach those in need.
“It fosters a community that stands against domestic and family violence,” Allison said.
FAST FACTS
- The Redland Foundation is a philanthropic organization supporting community groups and those in need in Redland City. The Foundation is dedicated to the sustainability of giving and has a decade long track record supporting local causes.
- The Redland Foundation’s mission is to apply funds raised to build a more resilient, prosperous and caring society, limiting the effects of key societal issues. The Foundation supports volunteerism through structured grants programs, building a stronger Redlands community.
- The newly formed fund aims to provide crucial assistance to victims of Domestic Violence through collaborations with local community organizations. Recognized entities such as Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Service, Redlands Community Centre and The Centre for Women and Co will be granted access to these funds.
- The support offered will encompass rapid assistance for respite, security, and essential items not readily accessible through government funding.
