THE spirit of generosity and community was on display earlier this month at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort for a special ladies luncheon fundraiser, supporting a worthy cause. The event, attended by 263 guests, raised more than $25,000, which will help fund the Southern Peninsula Community Support’s (SPCS) “Southern Peninsula Laundry and Shower (SPLaSh) for Women”, a new program that supports vulnerable women on the southern Mornington Peninsula.
Established in 2016, the current program provides essential services such as showers, laundry, food, and material aid, especially focusing on assisting rough sleepers. The SPCS’s CEO Jeremy Maxwell said homelessness was a big problem on the southern peninsula, and “sadly there are far too many vulnerable women being impacted”.
“With our SPLaSh for Women program we hope to make a real difference. We are so grateful to the many people who want to help, the people who came, the many sponsors and particularly Sharon Richardson, for running a fabulous event and more importantly for her caring about the people we support,” he said.
Richardson, who is the president of the Sorrento Beachside Visitor Information Centre, said it was gratifying to see local businesses and the community embrace the event which not only raised vital funds but raised “awareness of the plight of the homeless on the peninsula”. She thanked everyone who shared in making the day a huge success.
Maxwell said they were delighted that the program was now fully funded for the next year thanks to the RM Ansett Trust and the success of the SPLaSh for Women ladies luncheon event. “We have found that not all women have been using the current program for numerous reasons, due to it being heavily dominated by men. For women escaping violence this can be a barrier,” he said.
“Recognising the shifting landscape of homelessness, particularly among women, SPCS is launching a new women’s-only SPLaSh program. This initiative offers a safe and welcoming space for women dealing with homelessness, addressing the increasing number of women (now 40 per cent) experiencing rough sleeping in our community.”
The program will not only provide immediate relief but also pathways to support services, including family assistance, financial counselling, emergency relief, and access to essentials like food and clothing.
First published in the Mornington News – 24 June 2025