Gatehouse Unlocked is back for its second year, with an outstanding line up of musical and comedic talent coming together to assist St Kilda Gatehouse in providing a safer community for vulnerable women.
With that in mind, the support St Kilda Gatehouse provides to marginalised women is more important than ever. Comedians generously volunteering their time and talent to raise money and awareness for this hugely worthwhile cause include some of Melbourne’s finest – Adam Zwar, Fiona O’Loughlin, Judith Lucy, Bev Killick, Laurence Mooney, Bob Franklin, Tegan Higginbotham and many more.
St Kilda Gatehouse works to provide a place of belonging and support for women involved in street-based sex work or affected by commercial sexual exploitation as a result of hardship. Sex workers experience stigma and discrimination, are often subjected to violence, can be reluctant to access support services and are susceptible to mental health issues.
Research shows that young women in Dandenong – compared with other metropolitan areas – are more likely to leave formal education earlier, have lower participation rates in tertiary education, and are less likely to be in paid work. This all serves to increase their vulnerability. Young women in their mid-teens through to their early-twenties have been impacted most by Dandenong’s developing street sex market, with many becoming involved through peer-group connections and other influences such as illicit substance abuse.
In response to this alarming trend, St Kilda Gatehouse launched its Young Women’s Project in Dandenong earlier this year, with the aim of providing a safe environment and support for vulnerable women in the area.
Gatehouse Unlocked is slated to be an entertaining night brimming with laughs, thanks to its stellar comedic and musical line-up, delicious stand-up dinner and the beautiful backdrop of a St Kilda sunset. Most importantly, proceeds from the night will contribute towards St Kilda Gatehouse continuing to offer their vital services and support.
Pesel & Carr is a proud sponsor of Gatehouse Unlocked, which will take over Encore St Kilda at the St Kilda Sea Baths this night of fun and laughs on Thursday October 22 from 7pm.
For more information or to book head to www.stkildagatehouse.org.au or CLICK HERE.
