Happiness can feel elusive at times, especially when we face challenges in our lives. However, we can consciously work to create more happiness in our lives. The two main pathways to happiness are pleasure and meaning. While genetics contributes (some people are just born more resilient, or easy-going), much of our individual happiness comes down […]

When a woman escapes from violence at home, a refuge can be a safe port in a very stormy sea: an opportunity to regroup and begin the process of rebuilding her life. For many women, the safety of their children is a driving force in the decision to leave a violent home. But for mothers […]

The story is a familiar one. A woman escapes abuse, or finds herself homeless after a change in life circumstances, and ends up in a refuge. Many of us will know someone who has experienced domestic violence. Some of us may have experienced abuse or homelessness ourselves. We can imagine what living in a refuge […]

After working hard for many years, in a job, raising children, or both, you want to know that you will be looked after. But for some women, the reality is very different. Many older women in Australia are finding themselves without the security they deserve. Some have lost bread-winning husbands through relationship breakdown or the […]

How you can help Bonnie’s women and children At Bonnie’s, every dollar donated is spent on the women and children we support, many of whom experience hardship and disadvantage when they access our service. Our donors share our vision of a safe world where women and children flourish and reach their full potential, and there […]

I started at Bonnie’s in October last year… I had a job in accounts but I’d been wanting to work in the community sector since finishing my Diploma in Community Services Work. So when the opportunity came up to become part of the new Rapid Response program here at Bonnie’s, I didn’t think twice about […]

  National Reconciliation Week is coming up at the end of this month. It’s an important time for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people in Australia because two events of significance are remembered in this week. Saturday May 27 marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum in which more than 90 per cent of […]

When the working day is done and the kids are in bed, Sydney lawyer Trish Williams doesn’t crash on the couch in front of My Kitchen Rules, she gets down to business dreaming up ingenious ways to build her philanthropic online initiative Gertie and Ruth. Named after Trish’s two grandmothers, Gertie and Ruth sells donated […]

What does it mean to be part of a team? Teamwork is a word we hear a lot throughout our lives, meaning a group of people working together cooperatively to accomplish a common purpose or goal. We do that at Bonnie’s. But I feel a team means so much more than just that. Our team […]

My name is Zual. I am a modern Muslim woman. Many Muslim women in today’s world struggle with blatant discrimination. However, because I do not wear the hijab covering my hair, I am not subject to the same harshness. I do not have a piece of my religion wrapped around me for people to judge […]

Lucy is leaving Bonnie’s to work with asylum seekers at the Red Cross. She spoke to Kate on her last day. It’s going to be a bit of a wake-up call, leaving behind the women-centred work culture of Bonnie’s. It’s been such a supportive, friendly place to work, with a really strong sense of community. […]

Every Friday at Bonnie House and Mimosa, many of the families who are currently living in our accommodation get together in the kitchen where they have lots of fun learning new cooking skills and sharing delicious meals made from recipes across the world. We use the fresh produce we gratefully receive every week from OzHarvest […]