We’ve all got them – old phones tucked away in drawers, forgotten in glove boxes, or sitting in that kitchen junk drawer. But what if we told you that seemingly useless device could actually save someone’s life?

Panthers Penrith has partnered with DV Safe Phone, and they’ve put collection boxes around the club where you can drop off any old mobile phone. It’s that simple. No paperwork, no fuss – just chuck it in the box and know you’ve done something pretty amazing.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Look, the numbers are pretty confronting. One in six women and one in eighteen men have been physically or sexually abused by a partner. That’s not some distant problem – that’s happening right here in our community.

Last year alone, there were 1,899 reported domestic violence assaults across the Nepean Blue Mountains region. That includes Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Lithgow. We’re talking about nearly 2,000 people who desperately needed help, often without a way to call for it.

How a Phone Becomes a Lifeline

DV Safe Phone started in 2019 with a pretty straightforward idea – get working phones to people who need them most. They’re aiming to help 20,000 domestic violence survivors by mid-2026, and they’re doing it by working with refuges, police stations, hospitals, and support services across the country.

When someone’s in danger, having a phone means they can call 000, reach 1800 RESPECT, or contact family and friends who can help. Sometimes it’s the only thing standing between someone and serious harm.

The charity takes donated phones, fixes them up if needed, wipes them clean, and gets them to frontline workers who know exactly who needs them most.

What Panthers is Doing

You’ll now find DV Safe Phone collection boxes located at our Main Reception, Lakeview Entry and TAB Entry right here at Panthers Penrith. Seriously, just grab whatever old phones you’ve got at home and drop them off next time you’re at the Club.

Don’t worry if the phone’s ancient, cracked, or barely working – the DV Safe Phone team are pretty clever at fixing things up or using parts from broken phones to get others working again.

The Ripple Effect

Here’s the thing – when you donate a phone, you’re not just helping one person. You’re potentially protecting kids in dangerous homes, helping someone break free from an abusive relationship, and making our whole community safer.

And in areas like ours, where domestic violence rates tend to be higher, every single phone donation counts for more.

What You Need to Do

Next time you’re at Panthers, bring along any old mobiles you’ve got lying around. Look for the collection boxes – they’re clearly marked and easy to spot.

Worried about your personal stuff still being on the phone? DV Safe Phone will ensure your phone has been erased, however it’s important that you sign out of your devices the correct way and erase your data, to save them time and give you peace of mind.

While you’re at it, ask your mates, family, workmates if they’ve got old phones too. You’d be surprised how many people have devices they’re not using.

The Bottom Line

There are over two million known domestic violence victims in Australia. That’s a massive number, but it also means there are massive opportunities to help.

Your old phone sitting in that drawer? It could be the thing that helps someone escape a dangerous situation. It could be what saves a life.

So next time you’re at Panthers, remember to bring it along. Because sometimes the smallest actions have the biggest impact.

Need Help?

• Domestic violence support: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – available 24/7
• Emergency: 000
• More info: dvsafephone.org or 1300 151 939