Established 1979 · Eastlakes, NSW
Our
History
For over 40 years, The Deli Women & Children’s Centre has walked alongside women and children in our community — offering safety, counselling, and hope when it’s needed most.
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.”Belinda Casselden, Board Member
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.
Community gathering at The Deli, early days
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.
Children’s activities at The Deli, early years
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.
The Deli Play Van serving Eastlakes & Hillsdale
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.
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.
Mothers and children at The Deli, mid-1990s
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.
Penny Stewart, Manager of The Deli 1981–1998
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.
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.
Christmas at the new Maloney Street centre, 2002
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.
Playgroup and families at The Deli, 2005
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.
The Deli’s 30th birthday celebrations, 2009
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.
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.
The 2011 renovations ribbon cutting
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.
The Deli team at the Equal Pay Union Rally, 2011
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.
International Women’s Day Award ceremony, 2011
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.
Training the Karen Women’s Organisation in Thailand, 2016
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.
Community events and activities, 2016
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.
The Deli community gathering, 2019
Voices from
our community
In their own words — the women who have walked through our doors.
The Deli was the first place that made me feel like all I was feeling was real. They listened and they understood. It was the first step in feeling like ‘it wasn’t me’.Belinda
I feel incredibly lucky to have support from these women and this service. I honestly don’t know where I would be today without the tools and skills I have gained from being part of this community.Nicki
I have such lovely memories of being at The Deli — feeling seen, respected, heard, welcomed and understood. I felt safe on every level, and that is the greatest gift you could give.Karenna
There is MAGIC about The Deli. I feel a lot of love and support from the workers and have not found a better service.Kim
The service being free is really helpful. Everything is genuine here. The door is always open at The Deli.Anonymous
The Deli is like a second home to me. I say a big thank you to Rosa, Jennifer, Vicki, Erin, Kate and all the other staff who have been there for me over the past 40 years.Kathy Conley
Still here.
Still showing up.
The Deli Women & Children’s Centre continues to serve the community from 72 Maloney Street, Eastlakes. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out.
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