A collaborative corporate initiative spearheaded by Newcastle accounting practice Sorted Advisory and wealth management firm Hunter Financial has generated more than $14,000 for local crisis support provider Jenny’s Place. The targeted fundraising campaign, executed throughout June, was established to provide direct operational capital to underwrite regional crisis accommodation and specialist support services for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
The grassroots corporate intervention addresses acute national and regional social infrastructure pressures. National data indicates that 38 women and children lost their lives due to domestic violence within the first half of 2026, while localised service metrics confirm that Jenny’s Place supported 1,211 clients, including 526 children, seeking emergency shelter during the 2024/25 financial period.
The corporate campaign gained initial momentum when Director of Sorted Advisory, Matt Hunt established a community fundraising baseline, offering to shave his head to secure a $2,500 target. The campaign scaled after Managing Director of Hunter Financial, Philip Smith integrated a corporate dollar-matching mechanism into the initiative, underwriting the community donation drive up to an additional $5,000.
The structural co-investment model culminated in a formal corporate assembly on Wednesday 1 July 2026, where the combined financial pool was finalised and handed over to the service provider.
Director of Sorted Advisory, Matt Hunt noted that utilising atypical workplace initiatives serves as a strategic channel to de-stigmatise commercial dialogue around regional safety metrics.
“The generosity we’ve seen has been incredible, but more importantly, I hope we’ve helped shine a light on the important work Jenny’s Place does every single day. If even one more person learns about the support available or starts a conversation because of this campaign, then it’s been worth every bit of it,” Matt said.
The capital generated will be deployed directly into the maintenance of the city’s frontline emergency shelter networks, enabling the continuation of long-term casework, legal advocacy, and psychological rehabilitation programs tailored for regional families.
Managing Director of Hunter Financial, Philip Smith said that corporate operations maintain a structural responsibility to amplify grassroots fundraising outcomes for essential regional welfare networks.
“Supporting organisations like Jenny’s Place is something our community should get behind, and if matching the fundraising and getting to shave Matt’s head encouraged even more donations, then it was an easy decision,” Philip said.
Community Relations Coordinator from Jenny’s Place, Donna George emphasised that targeted private sector backing provides essential baseline flexibility for non-profit welfare operators.
“Every donation helps us continue providing safety, support and hope to women and children when they need it most. We’re incredibly grateful to Matt, Philip, Sorted Advisory, Hunter Financial and everyone who donated. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of local families,” Donna said.
IMAGE | Newcastle businesses unite to raise more than $14,000 for women escaping domestic violence
