A civic reception at Noarlunga Council has honoured Helen Oxenham for her work of more than 40 years improving the lives of women living with and escaping from domestic violence.
Ms Oxenham has been advocating for the needs of women suffering from domestic violence and her advocacy was integral in establishing the Women’s Shelter at Christies Beach.
Her journey began in the early 1970s when she enrolled at Flinders University in a Women’s Studies topic with best friend Peggy Robinson. Both women were mature-age and the Flinders topic was pivotal in sharpening their sense of social justice and their belief they could make a difference.
“Doing women’s studies was transformative for both of us,” says Helen. “It opened our eyes intellectually and politically.”
Regular meetings to discuss women’s issues, including with two other women Josie Harvey and Connie Fraser, at Helen’s husband’s watchmaker shop on Beach Road, Christies Beach resulted in the arrival of women at the shop seeking refuge from violent partners.
Peggy Robinson knew from her work with Community Services that there was no support available for these women and nowhere for them to go. The group decided to lobby the Council, local politicians and the Housing Trust for support and, against immense opposition, eventually set up a Women’s Shelter in 1977.
Unfortunately, Peggy Robinson died in a car accident in 1980 on her way to a Christmas party at the Shelter, but Helen continued with their work against domestic violence.
The Onkaparinga Council will erect a plaque in her honour on Beach Road, outside the shop where it all started.
The plaque says: For her dedication and tireless work over six decades to advocate and provide support to women and children who have been affected by domestic violence. Helen has made a real difference to so many lives.
The Noarlunga Council ceremony on 27 November was opened by the Mayor Erin Thompson and officiated by Zonta chair Jane Morrison. Other guests included MP Katrine Hildyard (a Flinders graduate), Shadow Health Minister Chris Picton, council members Geoff Eaton and Bill Jamison, and former Victim Rights Commissioner Michael O’Connell.
Ms Oxenham, her daughter Heather and other supporters are now lobbying for a sculptural garden in the South Parklands. Called A Place of Courage, the garden will be dedicated to victims of domestic violence and be both a memorial and a place of healing.
Flinders’ influence continues through the generations, with Yvonne Robinson (now University College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences staff member Dr Sandra Egege) completing a BA Hons and PhD in Philosophy, along with her husband and three children who all graduating from Flinders; as well as Josephine Robinson who did BA Hons in Environmental Management at Flinders.