DVCS Blue & White Gala Ball: supporting Canberra

Posted on 26 March, 2019

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, any time, anywhere.

Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT (DVCS) offers ongoing support and services for people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, religions and economic backgrounds who are affected by domestic and family violence.

The non-profit organisation was set up over 30 years ago and is committed to providing people in the ACT community with tools to break the domestic violence cycle in both emergency and long-term situations. Alanna Davis – DVCS’ Community Development and Engagement Manager – stresses the organisation’s focus on Canberra and its surrounding regions.

“We’re a local, non-government organisation, run and staffed by local people,” she explains. “We’ve got local businesses as sponsors, and we’re also predominantly funded locally.”

Adam Shirley and Kristen Henry at the DVCS 2017 Ball

DVCS has supported over 4,500 people last financial year, with Alanna noting that 86% of this number are female. In addition to running a 24/7 crisis helpline, DVCS also offers programs such as Staying@Home for women and their families and Room4Change, which is tailored specifically to men to help them address their use of violence and controlling behaviour within their relationships.

As a way of spreading awareness and bolstering the efforts of the community, DVCS’ major fundraising event – the Blue & White Gala Ball – will be held on Saturday 18 May at Hotel Realm in order to raise funds for this vital organisation.

With 2019 heralding its 5^th Ball, Alanna says DVCS aims to put funds towards emergency accommodation, security upgrades, and support groups for clients.

“It’s our major fundraising event,” says Alanna, who notes that this year they’ll be showcasing local talent at the Ball. Canberra’s own HitParade will be featured as the main entertainment act, alongside MCs Adam Shirley from ABC Canberra and Juliet Moody from SparrowFolk, both DVCS Champions.

Voices for Change Advocates

The Ball will also be airing a filmed interview conducted by Kristen Henry, DVCS Champion from Mix 106.3. The interview marks the launching of Voices for Change Advocates – a program headed by women who have previously experienced intimate partner and family violence.

“It’ll be a really good opportunity for everyone to hear from people who have used our services,” says Alanna. “These women are going to be speaking about their experiences of engaging with DVCS, and about the experience of domestic and family violence more broadly.”

Lend a hand to ending domestic violence and join DVCS for the Ball on Saturday 18 May. Tickets are sold from their website at $210 per person, or $2000 for a table of 10 and, if you book your ticket before the end of March, you’ll be entered into a draw to win a night at five-star Hotel Realm.

For more information about DVCS, see dvcs.org.au.

the essentials

What: DVCS Blue & White Gala Ball
Where: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton
When: Saturday 18 May, 6:30 pm for a 7 pm start
Tickets: $210 per person or $2000 for table of 10
Dress code: Lounge suit to formal (blue and/or white not required)
Tickets and more information: dvcs.org.au/get-involed/events

HerCanberra is a proud supporter of DVCS ACT 

Feature image: Kate Cebrano playing at DVCS’ 2015 Ball