Two counselling and community services in the Macquarie electorate will benefit from $450,000 announced by Federal Families and Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher.
The Western Sydney Suicide Prevention Network (WSSPN) will receive $200,000 while $250,000 will go to the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre to fund a domestic violence worker to inspect safety equipment that will protect women experiencing domestic violence.
Mr Fletcher said the investment would specifically address community organisations who support people at high risk of harm.
"We have significant national challenges when it comes to family and domestic violence and suicide," he said. "This funding in particular will address service gaps where we require a more targeted and localised approach to boost critical support services for those who are either at high risk of suicide or facing domestic violence."
Liberal candidate for Macquarie Sarah Richards said members of the community, such as WSSPN member Peter Webb, were instrumental in keeping the doors open to these essential services.
"Investment in suicide prevention is vital and it is reassuring to know that there are local grassroots community groups who want to work in this space to make a difference, both at an intervention level and also for friends or family members associated with this tragedy," she said.
She also welcomed the funding for the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre.
"We need to educate people early on that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable in our society," said Ms Richards. "However, the current prevalence of it has been recognised and that is why funding is crucial towards assisting those already in these dangerous situations.
"I am so pleased that these funds will go towards employing an individual who will be able to work to keep women safe and assist in their ability to find independence from the vicious cycle of abuse."
