Parish launches saving phone donation program

In 2025, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish responded to a critical and growing community need by launching a life-saving phone donation program to support people experiencing domestic and family violence. In partnership with DV Safe Phone, the Parish became the first official distribution partner of safe mobile phones across the Mid North Coast, from Taree to Kempsey.

Tony Leahy, CEO of St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, explains, “A working phone can be the difference between being trapped or being able to call for help.” This simple tool provides immediate connection to emergency services, support agencies, trusted family members and friends, restoring independence, dignity and the ability to seek help at a critical moment.

Throughout the year, staff, volunteers, parishioners and members of the wider community were invited to donate pre-loved mobile phones. Devices were collected at the Parish Administration Centre, then refurbished by DV Safe Phone and safely distributed to frontline services supporting victim survivors.

The program was strengthened through the support of Telstra, which contributed mobile devices and SIM cards so recipients could stay connected immediately. St Agnes’ also established a partnership with Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services to enhance staff training and strengthen workplace responses to disclosures of domestic and family violence.

As Tony Leahy adds, “This program is about more than phones. It is about showing up for people in crisis and creating safer pathways for them to rebuild their lives.”

By combining practical action with community generosity, the life-saving phone donation program demonstrates how local partnerships can create meaningful impact and offer hope when it is needed most.