What's New

Starts February 14. To find out more or book a place contact Kara House on 1800 900 520 or email admin@karahouse.org.au As featured the Whitehorse Leader on Monday 29 February, the group is an education and support group for women.

In January this year, we were able to install a brand new kitchen in the Kara House refuge thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Clubs of Mont Albert & Surrey Hills (MASH), Monash and the Whitehorse Rotaract Club.

The kitchen is the central point of the refuge where our clients cook food, feed their children and meet with others in similar circumstances. The old 1970’s kitchen was in disrepair and we believed a new kitchen would greatly improve their experience while in our care.

Every year Rotary MASH partner with the local community to assist or raise funds for local projects. Last year we approached Rotary MASH with our wish to replace the old kitchen at Kara House. Rotary MASH was immediately on board and approached other Rotary Clubs and the Rotaract Club to participate in the project.

When the Rotary Club of Monash and the Whitehorse Rotaract club both agreed to be partners, it was then decided to approach Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) to obtain a Dick Smith Compassionate Grant to match the amount of money donated by the three clubs. This was sufficient to provide the entire funding to install a new kitchen.

Shia Smart, District Governor Nominee of Rotary District 9810, said
“As Rotarians, and local community members, we collaborate together and with community leaders who want to get to work on projects that have a real lasting impact on people’s lives. Kara House is one such project. The new kitchen creates a contemporary facility that will enable women and children to recover and heal in a quality and safe environment.”

With this donation, we were able to provide an up-to-date kitchen with new cupboards, bench tops and brand new appliances including a dishwasher.

The new kitchen at Kara House has created an inviting and safe environment for the women and children who seek refuge and will assist to improve their long-term outcomes.