The word gaslight originates from the 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton (Philips, 2021). The play is about a husband who convinces his wife that she is losing her mind to distract her from his criminal activities. Patrick Hamilton coined this term to describe a form of manipulation where a person is made to doubt their […]

In 2022, I left my island home of Fiji, a place defined by its natural beauty, tight-knit communities, and a slower pace of life, to pursue my studies in Australia. Moving to Australia was a big decision. Fiji, with its stunning beaches and familiar faces, had always been my comfort zone, but I knew that […]

Dear Mums,  One of the things I miss from being a Family Worker is meeting all the families at Bonnie’s. As Team Leader, I don’t get to have a lot of interaction with you all, as my job is mainly to support and guide the team that in turn supports you.  While I don’t get […]

A colleague and I recently discussed how we often function as human Excel sheets. Microsoft describes Excel spreadsheets as follows: “Excel is an incredibly powerful tool for deriving meaning from vast amounts of data. It also works well for simple calculations and tracking almost any kind of information. The key to unlocking all that potential […]

Giving Voice and Strength to Homeless Women The Unseen Arts Hub, a remarkable initiative that brings together a collective of women who have experienced homelessness. Through the power of art, conversation, and workshops, they share stories with the world, aiming to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. For the past four years, the Unseen Arts […]

Standing Strong: Honouring the Bravery of Survivors of Domestic Violence As advocates working closely with women who have survived domestic violence, we witness firsthand the immense courage and resilience they embody every day. These women often come to us at their most vulnerable, having endured heartbreak, fear, and trauma while navigating a system that should […]

Driving home under the quiet sky,   A song drifts through the radio’s soft sigh.   A voice, tender from the north,   Spoke of scars and their worth. “We are more than the sum of our scars,” she said,   A simple truth, profound and widespread.   Her words, like a gentle embrace,   […]

Love Bombing: Control and abuse wrapped in a pretty package Perpetrators of domestic violence often don’t start their relationships by being violent or abusive. They often start their relationships with a different type of manipulation that can come across as love and affection, which I think makes it that much scarier. This tactic is called, […]

Stepping into Bonnie’s for my placement, I felt a whirlwind of feelings. I was buzzing with excitement – this was my final placement, the one where I’d show all I’ve learned. But with new beginnings come those jittery nerves. I knew this experience would be unlike any other. Still, I’m the type to focus on […]

During my university years, I worked on a project with HoMie, a non-profit addressing youth homelessness. That experience deeply moved me and inspired me to make a real difference. After graduating, I entered the corporate scene, hitting the expected milestones but always feeling a void. My wish to contribute meaningfully to the lives of those […]

When I first decided to move out of home, it was a surreal feeling of taking my first triumphant step into real adulthood. The thought of having my own apartment made me flutter with excitement. I was ready to become a responsible and independent adult.   But – in the first few days of moving in, […]

My grandparents were married for 63 years. Their love story is truly one for the ages. They met when they were dance instructors at the Surreyville Dance Hall in Sydney. My grandfather proposed in 1950 at the Trocadero dance hall while they were dancing. The Canadian 3-step, La Bamba and the Jazz Waltz were some […]