Our History
The Deli began as a grassroots women’s initiative — born from the Women’s Movement, run by volunteers, housed in a former corner delicatessen in Mascot.
What started as a playgroup became a lifeline for thousands of women and children across Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
“The Deli is a place that helps those women navigate an incredibly difficult situation. It is a testament to them that after 40 years they are still there — giving women and children hope, helping them to believe in themselves and a better life.”
1979
45+
1,700+
In the Beginning
The Deli opens its doors
A community centre run by women, for women and children, opens in Coward Street, Mascot. The name comes from the building’s former life as a delicatessen. Born from the Women’s Movement, it was a volunteer effort to fill a gap in support for those experiencing domestic violence. Playgroups were the very first program offered.
Becoming incorporated
The Deli formally becomes an Incorporated Association, known as The Deli Children’s Resource Centre Inc.
Women at the centre
Renamed to The Deli Women and Children’s Centre Inc — placing women’s needs front and centre in the organisation’s identity.
Growing community roots
Services expand to three playgroups per week, monthly women’s support groups, a free women’s health clinic and Spanish-speaking sewing classes. Over 170 multicultural families use the playvans in Hillsdale and Eastlakes.
114 counselling sessions
Individual counselling requests increase to 114 sessions — a signal that women were becoming more aware of domestic violence and more able to talk about it and ask for help. Groups expand to include Assertiveness Training and parenting workshops.
54 women seen for DV counselling
Self-referrals and agency referrals for DV counselling continue to rise. Court support is provided at Redfern and Waverley Courts for women seeking AVOs.
A small detail that tells a big story: for 40 cents a load, women could use the centre’s washing machine and dryer — and The Deli could be hired for kids’ parties on weekends for $20.
First computer
A grant from DCS enables the purchase of The Deli’s first computer. Mailing lists, form letters and payroll all move from paper to digital. The Deli joins the Waverley Court Assistance Scheme, supporting women seeking Apprehended Violence Orders.
50% increase in demand
A student survey — “What Makes The Deli Work?” — captures what sets the place apart: high satisfaction driven by a feminist, supportive approach. 178 women are seen for DV counselling. The Deli also takes over running the Mascot School Vacation Care Program.
First Playgroups in the Park
The inaugural Playgroups in the Park event in Redfern draws 350 people. Despite ongoing government funding freezes, The Deli continues to grow its community presence.
DV Group for Mothers and Children
The Deli’s own staff develop and launch a DV Group for Mothers and Children — one of many programs created in-house to meet the specific needs of local families.
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
Free tickets allow Deli families to attend the dress rehearsal of the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony — a moment of joy and connection for families who needed it most.
Growing & Deepening
Moving to Maloney Street, Eastlakes
After 22 years in Coward Street, The Deli moves to a new space with separate counselling rooms, a large yard, and undercover play area. The number of women seen for DV doubles within 12 months, with a 500% increase in overall service delivery recorded.
The Deli logo is born
The iconic Deli logo and cartoon design is created by Marta Ponti — giving The Deli a recognisable visual identity. 138 women are seen for DV counselling, with one of the highest group retention rates in the South Eastern Area.
Two counsellors, parenting appointments
Two part-time counsellors now serve the growing caseload. The Children’s Services team begins offering dedicated parenting appointments. Physical upgrades create “an inviting, clean and comfortable environment” — new soft-fall in the playground, safer facilities, a new resource area.
thedeli.org.au goes live
The Deli launches its website — www.thedeli.org.au. Vicki Johnston is appointed Manager. The first male Chairperson joins the committee. New renovations and a staffing restructure set the organisation up for the decade ahead.
Love Bites — building respect in schools
The Deli leads the eastern suburbs rollout of Love Bites — a program working with Year 10 students on respectful relationships and DV awareness, aiming to break the cycle in future generations. 841 clients access services this year.
Celebrating 30 years
The Deli marks three decades of service. Two groups of delegates from South Korea visit to learn about The Deli’s holistic service model, with a view to adapting it in their own country. The team has grown to 8 staff and 2 volunteers.
DVPASS — proactive support in the eastern suburbs
After years of lobbying, The Deli is funded to launch the Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence Proactive Support Service (DVPASS) — a direct result of the State Government’s Action Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women & Children.
Strength & Impact
Heffron Woman of the Year
Manager Vicki Johnston is nominated for NSW Woman of the Year and awarded Heffron Woman of the Year. The Deli commences supporting the Ngala Nanga Mai group at La Perouse in partnership with Sydney Children’s Hospital Network. A five-year strategic plan is drafted.
Public Benevolent Institution
The Deli is granted Public Benevolent Institution and Deductible Gift Recipient status — a significant step for fundraising capability. The equal pay case for the NSW community services sector is also won this year.
Free Family Law Clinic launches
A free Family Law Clinic launches at The Deli in partnership with Legal Aid’s Early Intervention Unit — offering accessible legal support on Tuesday afternoons. The therapeutic team expands with new groups including Moving Past DV.
500% increase in referrals
NSW DV Reforms trigger a 500% increase in referrals to The Deli. Parenting appointments extend to parents of teenagers (12–18). La Perouse outreach commences. Rosie Batty’s year as Australian of the Year brings domestic violence to the centre of the national conversation.
Training in Thailand with the Karen Women’s Organisation
The Deli is invited by the Karen Women’s Organisation in Thailand, funded by the Planet Wheeler Foundation, to train workers in recognising and responding to DV in refugee camps and Karen State. Patron Christina Curry joins. 1,717 clients are seen — the highest in five years.
Safe Haven Project & Bayside Women’s Shelter
The Deli is involved in establishing Bayside Women’s Shelter and launches the Safe Haven Project — raising funds to support local DV services, enabling an additional part-time counsellor. Submissions provided to NSW and federal parliamentary inquiries.
Hub@Lexo opens
The Deli leads refurbishment of a double shopfront venue to create the Hub@Lexo, supported by Randwick Council and donated fit-out including a kitchen from Freedom Kitchens. Outreach commences at St Basils. Randwick Council triples counselling outreach funding.
Celebrating 40 years — a Centre of Excellence
Counselling and casework is offered at five outreach locations across the region. The Hope Believe Shine Foundation is being prepared to launch as a dedicated fundraising entity. The Deli celebrates four decades as a Centre of Excellence in Domestic Violence service provision.
From a former corner deli with a volunteer roster and a washing machine — to a specialist, multi-site organisation serving thousands of women and children each year. Forty years of showing up, walking alongside, and never letting go.
Strengthening specialist practice
The Deli continued to strengthen its specialist domestic and family violence response, integrating counselling, case management, parenting support, therapeutic groups and outreach. Staff participated in Safe & Together™ Model training through the Randwick LGA Project CHRISTIE, strengthening practice around perpetrator accountability and the protective role of mothers. The Deli also co-hosted Allies Against Violence, bringing community members, service providers and local leaders together to explore community responsibility in ending violence.
Securing the next chapter
The Deli secured a new five-year Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS) contract with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, providing funding certainty for specialist domestic and family violence services from July 2026 to June 2031. The organisation also formalised its integrated Practice Model, supporting women beyond crisis toward safety, stability, hope and empowerment.
Voices from our Community
In their own words — the women who have walked through our doors.
Still here. Still showing up.
For more than 45 years, The Deli has evolved alongside the women, children and community it serves. Community support has helped sustain this work across generations — and will help ensure The Deli is here for the women and children who need us next.