The Port Macquarie resident devoted almost four decades as a board member of the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge, now known as The Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service. 

Lesley was the inaugural president and remained as president for 35 years, and on handing presidency over to Marg Morgan in 2015, stayed on as vice-president until her recent retirement.

Her support of women and children impacted by domestic and family violence dates back to the days before the refuge was established in Port Macquarie.

Lesley took women and children into her home, while at the same time raising six children of her own. 

She quickly recognised the significant need in our community for a safe haven and was determined to fill the gap.

“We had few resources, no accommodation, no money but we had determination and commitment to provide this vital service to women and children who were in desperate circumstances and for whom there were simply no services and very little support at the time,” Lesley said.

After lobbying council, Lesley and a group of determined women secured a council property in 1980 to be used as the first unfunded women and children’s refuge in Port Macquarie.

The group was again forced to lobby for another suitable property when the property was required for development purposes.

Council identified another suitable property and made it available for a three-year period.

Lesley and the committee then lobbied the Department of Housing for a building long-term for the exclusive use of women and children escaping domestic and family violence. 

Their hard work and persistence paid off when the Department of Housing purchased a property for the exclusive use of the service, although the battle to secure funding for staff and operate the refuge continued.

This was finally provided by the Department of Community Services.

In 1994, while Lesley was committee president, suitable land was identified, and a purpose-built refuge was erected.

She has watched the service grow to employ 13 staff.

“From a service run by volunteers with no funding and no secure roof over our head, I am so proud to see an organisation that’s funded, highly regarded and very effective, and meets the needs of women and children in our area escaping domestic violence,” Lesley said.

She paid tribute to the early committee members and volunteers involved in the establishment of the service including such notables as Betty Dalrymple, Cecily Yeo and Rosemary Drew, and acknowledged the work of some wonderful staff.

Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service chief executive officer Gemma Morley commended Lesley on her commitment to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence in our community and the legacy she left after 37 years.