DV Safe Phone expands and asks for more phones to be donated  

THAT old mobile phone gathering dust in a drawer could make a life-changing difference to someone experiencing domestic and family violence this Christmas, with Sunshine Coast charity DV Safe Phone calling on locals to support its Christmas appeal.

DV Safe Phone collects unwanted mobile phones, refurbishes them and distributes them free of charge to people experiencing domestic and family violence through frontline support services.

The charity was formed by Mooloolaba man Ashton Wood in 2020 when he tried to donate unused phones he discovered after spring cleaning and which he no longer needed.

Mr Wood contacted a police friend who informed him that one of the items they needed most was mobile phones, and from there the charity formed.

“For most of us, a mobile phone is something we take for granted. For someone experiencing domestic violence, access to a phone they can use to seek help is critical,” Mr Wood said.

“When a perpetrator controls access to communication, they can also cut someone off from family, friends and support services, and a safe phone is an important part of a person’s safety plan, helping them stay connected to the people and services supporting them.”

Over the past six years, DV Safe Phone has distributed nearly 23,000 phones through more than 680 frontline agencies across Australia – via police, hospitals, domestic violence services and safe houses.

Sadly, police figures show that domestic violence offender numbers have increased, with police proceeding against almost 98,000 people for family and domestic violence-related offences across Australia in 2024–25.

Expanded operations – larger premises means more help available

DV Safe Phone has answered this critical call for help by expanding its capacity to process up to four times the current volume of safe phones and recently opened their new and expanded national headquarters on October 22.

The new headquarters will provide much-needed space for additional volunteers and phone testing stations, along with a dedicated repair laboratory for phone technicians.

“Having already moved more than six tonnes of phones through our previous premises, our new facility provides easy, level access for moving large volumes of donated phones in and out, eliminating the need to manually carry heavy loads up and down stairs – a significant improvement in both safety and operational efficiency,” Mr Wood said.

While the new headquarters will significantly increase the charity’s capacity, community donations remained essential, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

“Every Safe Phone starts with someone deciding to donate a device they no longer need,” Mr Wood said.

“That phone sitting forgotten in a drawer could help someone contact a support worker, speak to a trusted friend or organise an essential appointment.”

Where to drop off your old phone

The organisation has an extensive network of drop-off locations across the country. Locally in the Coolum region, these include the Coolum Beach Sports Club, Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Coolum Library, Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie’s electorate office and the Salvation Army Coolum Family Store.

For further information about phone donations and an interactive map of drop-off locations, visit dvsafephone.org.

If you or someone you know is in danger and needs immediate help, please call any of the following numbers:

Lifeline – 13 11 14

DV Connect – 1800 737 732

MensLine – 1300 78 99 78

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