Used Phone Campaign at Libraries an Essential Lifeline

As part of Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Whitsunday Regional Libraries are bringing awareness to their ongoing partnership with DV Safe Phone, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affect by domestic violence, through DV and law enforcement agencies, safe house and hospitals in Australia.

This collaboration aims to raise awareness and encourage the community to contribute their old working phones to DV Safe who collects, repairs, and offers them for free to front-lines services as a safe phone for victims in domestic violence situations.

Mayor Ry Collins said that its not uncommon for people to have old mobile phones tucked away at home and by contributing them to one of the collection boxes at our regional libraries, you are potentially giving a vital opportunity to people in very traumatic circumstances.

“Part of Council’s role is to promote healthy and safe environments for our community to live in, and we are well placed to promote this initiative through our public spaces such as our regional libraries,” he said.

“We’ve had collection points in our libraries for approximately 12 months now and we want the community to know that we can all make a meaningful difference to people in need through the simple act of a donation.”

Founder and CEO of DV Safe Phone, Ashton Wood, expressed sincere appreciation for the partnership, emphasizing the pivotal role of community engagement in addressing domestic violence.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Whitsunday Regional Libraries for their invaluable support," remarked Ashton Wood.

"Their unwavering commitment to raising awareness and collecting phones for our charity will significantly bolster our efforts in reaching more domestic violence survivors and equipping them with essential communication tools."

Phone drop-off points are currently located at all Whitsunday Reigonal Libraries in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville.

DV Safe Phone, a beacon of hope for individuals impacted by domestic or family violence, has achieved remarkable milestones since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a steadfast commitment to repurposing old, functional mobile phones, the charity not only provides vital lifelines to survivors but also addresses the pressing issue of e-waste, contributing to environmental sustainability.

With a lofty goal of supporting 20,000 lives by 2026, DV Safe Phone remains dedicated to expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that more survivors have access to life-saving communication devices and support services.

Visit DV Safe Phone’s website to learn more.