NSW Ports has helped equip Illawarra based not-for-profit Escabags with the essentials it needs to support individuals escaping domestic and family abuse, as part of the NSW Ports annual Community Grants Program.
Based near Port Kembla, Escabags is a registered charity with the mission to alleviate the immediate trauma of domestic abuse by providing free and effective access to ‘Escape Bags’ in communities, whilst connecting victims with resources and agencies to assist their journey.
The bags themselves are sewn by volunteers and are available Australia wide from police stations, health and community centres and privately owned businesses like coffee shops.
Escabags founder and CEO Stacy Jane said the organisation used the Community Grant money to be able to provide emergency supplies to victims in their time of need.
“I think it was amazing to be supported by another local organisation. There is a bit of a common misconception that all of the items included in the Escape Bags are donated, but we still purchase 95% of them.”
Drawing from Stacy’s own experience, the Escape Bags contain essential items such as toiletries, sanitary products, a mini first aid kit, shampoo, a face cloth, and a personal safety alarm.
And since launching in 2020, Escabags has distributed more than 23,500 bags across Australia.
“We would really love to be in a position where we weren’t putting hundreds of bags outside of the warehouse to be collected every week, but it just doesn’t seem to be going that way and that is why support like this is so important.”
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said the organisation exemplifies the kind of impact the grants program aims to support.
“Escabags was one of 17 grantees to benefit from our 2025 Community Grants Program, which supports local organisations doing tremendous work in our communities.
“This is an example of the meaningful impact our Community Grants Program can have. By supporting initiatives like this, we’re helping create stronger communities and empowering organisations to continue their vital work,” Ms Calfas said.
To read more about the NSW Ports Community Grants Program click here.
