About Us
Who We Are
Ruth’s is a feminist not for profit organisation that provides secure crisis accommodation ensuring optimum safety, guidance and support to women and children escaping Domestic Violence and Family Violence. Ruth’s has been operating since 1977 thanks to the foresight of the four women founders, Ruth Thomas, Pat O’Hara, Joan Trewern and Jean Bleyerveld who initially formed the Women’s Electoral Lobby in Cairns in 1975.
Mission & Vision
Ruth’s will provide a safe environment for women and their children experiencing domestic & family violence.
At Ruth’s, we aim to end violence against women and their children.
Our culture is built on inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We’re committed to supporting our staff through training, stronger communication, and enhanced supervision to improve both workplace wellbeing and service delivery. We prioritise meaningful relationships with partner organisations, formalised through MOUs, to strengthen outcomes for clients and the broader community. By expanding our services and transitional housing options, and actively reaching out to marginalised groups, we’re working to create safer, more supportive pathways for those who need it most.
Values
SAFETY
Providing a physically & emotionally secure & inclusive environment where clients & staff feel supported, safe & free from all forms of abuse
RESPECT
Honouring each individual with empathy & dignity without judgement, recognising their inherent worth
EMPOWERMENT
Build pathways to improve the capacity of clients & staff by empowering them with the tools and resources for self determination
COLLABORATION
Working collaboratively with clients, staff & stakeholders to develop & achieve common goals
INTEGRITY
To act with honesty & professionalism by upholding the values of our organisation
Friends of Ruth’s
You can help not just individually, but by holding your own community group or organisation-led fundraising events to raise awareness and support for women and children.
You can support women and children affected by domestic violence by becoming a member alongside our corporate, government and community partners.
Fundraising
& Events
AGM October 2025
Volunteer
Opportunities
No current opportunities
Work
With Us
Watch this space with exciting opportunities coming late 2025.
Partner With Us
Partner with us to help create safer futures for women and children affected by domestic and family violence. Together, we can drive meaningful change in our community.
Ruth’s provides an amazing service to clients and the staff are passionate and caring to their clients. The staff and management have welcomed us in to the service and assisted with investigations where possible including supporting clients.
August 2023
I came here in first week of July 2022 and was very scared because of my husband. But RUTHS gave me huge support which I can’t explain in words . All staff supported and helped me lot not only economically as well emotionally. I was emotionally very down when I came here. But now I feel big change in myself emotionally because of RUTHS. I get back my confidence because of RUTHS. I learnt stability and independence here. Now I believe in my self which was difficult before . RUTHS GAVE ME NEW DIRECTION OF LIFE . I will be always grateful to RUTHS staff. I begin my new chapter of life because of RUTHS. GREAT RUTHS THANKS VERY MUCH.
September 2022
It was nothing less than perfect. It was home for my son & daughter and I and it was hard and sad to leave. The staff were amazing and went to the ends of the earth for myself and my children, the words thankful and blessed are not enough to describe how I felt whilst there.
June 2023
I love working with Ruths however the sector generally has too many gaps. A lot of clients cannot access shelter due to a lack of spots available, lack of funding, lack of appropriate funding and a lack of suitable options for different client stories/set ups. Shelters are generally very underfunded. They serve such an important role in communities, have such dedicated people working in them and need to be funded better. Thanks Ruths for all that you do!
Service Evaluation from Sector Partners (June 2023)
I wanted to mentioned that i realised that today is my independence day. Its been a year since i left my house. Although i am still struggling to find a peaceful life, i feel that i am definitely mentally stronger than i was a year ago. I would not have been able to accomplish this without your help, everybody in the shelter is very nice and helpful to me. Thank you so much once again.
November 2023
My experience in the shelter was different every time I went through emotional roller coasters and they supported me every time I returned! I felted ashamed returning back but the comforted me and told me everything was going to be all right. I am so blessed to have this women’s shelter in cairns and the all the staff there go above and beyond for your needs and mental health. I love them all so much and I honestly will never forget them and how you have helped me and my daughter out of a horrible situation. If there were somehow I could pay it forward the love and care I would. Thank you so much
February 2024
They are angel from heaven, they help me in the most difficult season in my life. Hope there more of them. I love to help them in any voluntary help.