Patron a ray of hope for Waratah Support Centre

Bunbury-based Waratah Support Centre has appointed former WA Australian of the Year finalist and domestic abuse survivor Dr Ann O’Neill as its first patron.

Dr O’Neill’s role was made official for the sexual assault and abuse service at an event in Perth attended by Victims of Crime Commissioner Jennifer Hoffman, Bunbury MLA John Castrilli, Waratah Support Centre chief executive officer Trudi Ruane and board member Colin Kaesar on May 24.

After witnessing her estranged husband kill two of her children and fatally turn the shotgun on himself in 1994, Dr O’Neill founded the agency angelhands, which helps people affected by homicide and serious personal violence.

Mrs Ruane said it was important to get a patron who understood the service’s work.

“We spent a lot of time considering who would be the best patron, 35 years in fact,” she said.

“She’s perfect for us because she is a WA face and she’s most delightful.

“With her business angelhands, she is already working in the field and understands the work we are doing.”

Dr O’Neill will attend a domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse national conference in Bunbury during November as well as taking up a key note speaker role at a dinner during White Ribbon Day.

Mrs Ruane said it was pleasing the new patron could be involved in events happening in the city.

“I think it’s wonderful we can get her over here because she has a great spirit and she’s very intelligent,” she said.

“Her messages are consistent with Waratah, it’s about domestic violence being unacceptable.

“It starts with a lack of respect and it’s not about alcohol or drugs.”