As domestic violence rates rise across the Hunter, a national charity is calling on locals to give the gift of dignity this Christmas through the It’s in the Bag appeal.
The annual campaign, run by Share the Dignity, encourages Australians to fill a new or quality pre-loved bag with essential items.
The donations are then distributed to women and girls spending Christmas in domestic violence refuges or homelessness shelters.
Bags can be dropped off from now until 30 November at participating Bunnings stores across the region, including Kotara, Wallsend, Bennetts Green, Heatherbrae and Maitland.
Rochelle Courtenay told the Newcastle Weekly that the appeal was a practical way for people to help.
“So many of us want to make a difference, but it’s hard to know how,” she said.
“For many women, this will be the only Christmas gift they receive.
“When you’ve fled domestic violence, sometimes you don’t even have your own toothbrush.”
According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), domestic violence-related assaults have increased with data showing a 6.1% rise in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs in the year to March 2025.
Ms Courtenay said those figures made the campaign more important than ever.
“We can’t solve homelessness or domestic violence, but we can make a difference with this gift of hope and love,” she explained.
Volunteers known as “Sheroes” will check and tag each donation before distributing them through a trusted network of charity partners.
Ms Courtenay said each bag must include the seven essential items, but donors were encouraged to add their own special touches.
“Write a note from your heart,” she added.
“For many women, it’s that message that makes them feel cared for and worthy.
“It reminds them that someone out there sees them.”
The campaign offers three priority carriers including an adult bag, a teen bag and a mum or bub bag.
All are equally-needed, but Ms Courtenay said people should choose whichever resonates most with them.
“There are about 150,000 women across Australia who have fled domestic violence or are experiencing homelessness this Christmas,” she stated.
“Last year, we had 111,000 bags donated, but more than 207,000 were requested.
“If more people knew about it, they’d absolutely help.”
Ms Courtenay is now urging locals to get behind the appeal.
“Everyone’s doing it tough right now,” she said.
“But if you can fill one bag or even join with friends or colleagues to pack one together, you’ll change someone’s Christmas.”
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- Visible reminder to spark mental health conversations in Maitland
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