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One night, one community, one powerful act of change
A Shepparton beauty clinic's inaugural charity gala became something far bigger than an event — it became proof of what a community can do when it shows up.
Some nights stay with you. For the guests who gathered at ANO Cosmetics & Skin on 23 May, this was one of them. The Shepparton clinic had one clear goal: to support local families experiencing domestic and family violence.
Beneath string lights strung across the clinic's outdoor gardens, with the warmth of a regional community evening in the air, founder Olivia Feldtmann and her team had created something special — not just a beautiful event, but a powerful act of generosity. By the end of the night, $20,000 had been raised for Marian Community Specialist Family Violence Services through VincentCare Victoria.
The funds will go directly to families in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
This year alone, Marian Community has supported 504 new adult clients and delivered nearly 15,000 hours of specialist support across Greater Shepparton and the Shires of Moira, Strathbogie, Mitchell and Murrindindi. The service operates around the clock — including weekends and public holidays — from sites in Shepparton and Seymour, offering everything from crisis accommodation and safety planning to safe-at-home options like emergency lock changes.
Marie Murfet, Hume Community Hub Manager for VincentCare Victoria, accepted the cheque on behalf of Marian Community. When she addressed the room, she didn't lean on abstract statistics. She told the truth.
"What these stats don't reflect is the trauma experienced by victim survivors — and their real stories of bravery and resilience."
[caption id="attachment_3657" align="aligncenter" width="750"] From left: Chris Feldtmann; Hugh Feldtmann; Olivia Feldtmann; VincentCare’s Hume Community Hub Manager, Marie Murfet; Team Leader Shepparton, Mahima; Program Manager Seymour, Caitlyn; Team Leader Seymour, Diane and Specialist Family Violence Practitioner, Kundayi Image: Lisa Nardella Photography[/caption]
What $20,000 actually looks like in someone's life
This is where the numbers become human again.
Marie shared the reality of what this funding means for families across the region.
"We provide a 24/7 response to victim survivors escaping or experiencing family violence including over weekends and public holidays," she said.
The service covers an extensive area including the City of Greater Shepparton and the Shires of Moira, Strathbogie, Mitchell and Murrindindi, operating from two sites in Shepparton and Seymour.
For a mother leaving an abusive relationship, that money might mean a new mobile phone — because her old one had tracking software installed. It might mean a gift card: the small but profound act of being able to choose what you buy for the first time in years. It might mean infant supplies, age-appropriate items for her children, or a travel bag for a family that left home with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"The sense of independence is critical to a client's journey from family violence," Marie Murfet said. "Providing resources where the client decides on what they purchase is important."
For families moving from refuge into longer-term housing, the funds will help furnish a new beginning — linen, kitchen equipment, the small things that make a house feel like home.
Marian Community operates four standalone refuge properties at undisclosed locations around Shepparton, and accepts referrals through Safe Steps, The Orange Door, and directly from clients themselves. The service also provides additional support for women on temporary visas and flexible packages focused on long-term safety and independence.
Marie Murfet acknowledged the complexity of family violence, explaining how it can take many forms including physical, emotional, psychological and financial abuse across various family relationships.
"Family violence has profound and lasting effects on the health and wellbeing of those affected, including the risk of homelessness, anti-social behaviours and disengagement from education and work," she said.
A clinic with a conscience
ANO Cosmetics & Skin is known in Shepparton for its expertise in cosmetic and skin treatments — but this gala revealed something equally important about who they are as a business. The event brought together local businesses, community leaders and supporters who understand that caring for people doesn't stop at the treatment room door.
VincentCare Victoria has expressed its deep gratitude to Olivia Feldtmann and the ANO team for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to their community.
"Thank you" — two words that barely scratch the surface of what this night meant for the families who will benefit.
If you are in need of support from Marian Community Specialist Family Violence Services, visit vincentcare.org.au or call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
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Some nights stay with you. For the guests who gathered at ANO Cosmetics & Skin on 23 May, this was one of them. The Shepparton clinic had one clear goal: to support local families experiencing domestic and family violence.
Beneath string lights strung across the clinic's outdoor gardens, with the warmth of a regional community evening in the air, founder Olivia Feldtmann and her team had created something special — not just a beautiful event, but a powerful act of generosity. By the end of the night, $20,000 had been raised for Marian Community Specialist Family Violence Services through VincentCare Victoria.
The funds will go directly to families in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
This year alone, Marian Community has supported 504 new adult clients and delivered nearly 15,000 hours of specialist support across Greater Shepparton and the Shires of Moira, Strathbogie, Mitchell and Murrindindi. The service operates around the clock — including weekends and public holidays — from sites in Shepparton and Seymour, offering everything from crisis accommodation and safety planning to safe-at-home options like emergency lock changes.
Marie Murfet, Hume Community Hub Manager for VincentCare Victoria, accepted the cheque on behalf of Marian Community. When she addressed the room, she didn't lean on abstract statistics. She told the truth.
"What these stats don't reflect is the trauma experienced by victim survivors — and their real stories of bravery and resilience."
[caption id="attachment_3657" align="aligncenter" width="750"] From left: Chris Feldtmann; Hugh Feldtmann; Olivia Feldtmann; VincentCare’s Hume Community Hub Manager, Marie Murfet; Team Leader Shepparton, Mahima; Program Manager Seymour, Caitlyn; Team Leader Seymour, Diane and Specialist Family Violence Practitioner, Kundayi Image: Lisa Nardella Photography[/caption]
What $20,000 actually looks like in someone's life
This is where the numbers become human again.
Marie shared the reality of what this funding means for families across the region.
"We provide a 24/7 response to victim survivors escaping or experiencing family violence including over weekends and public holidays," she said.
The service covers an extensive area including the City of Greater Shepparton and the Shires of Moira, Strathbogie, Mitchell and Murrindindi, operating from two sites in Shepparton and Seymour.
For a mother leaving an abusive relationship, that money might mean a new mobile phone — because her old one had tracking software installed. It might mean a gift card: the small but profound act of being able to choose what you buy for the first time in years. It might mean infant supplies, age-appropriate items for her children, or a travel bag for a family that left home with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
"The sense of independence is critical to a client's journey from family violence," Marie Murfet said. "Providing resources where the client decides on what they purchase is important."
For families moving from refuge into longer-term housing, the funds will help furnish a new beginning — linen, kitchen equipment, the small things that make a house feel like home.
Marian Community operates four standalone refuge properties at undisclosed locations around Shepparton, and accepts referrals through Safe Steps, The Orange Door, and directly from clients themselves. The service also provides additional support for women on temporary visas and flexible packages focused on long-term safety and independence.
Marie Murfet acknowledged the complexity of family violence, explaining how it can take many forms including physical, emotional, psychological and financial abuse across various family relationships.
"Family violence has profound and lasting effects on the health and wellbeing of those affected, including the risk of homelessness, anti-social behaviours and disengagement from education and work," she said.
A clinic with a conscience
ANO Cosmetics & Skin is known in Shepparton for its expertise in cosmetic and skin treatments — but this gala revealed something equally important about who they are as a business. The event brought together local businesses, community leaders and supporters who understand that caring for people doesn't stop at the treatment room door.
VincentCare Victoria has expressed its deep gratitude to Olivia Feldtmann and the ANO team for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to their community.
"Thank you" — two words that barely scratch the surface of what this night meant for the families who will benefit.
If you are in need of support from Marian Community Specialist Family Violence Services, visit vincentcare.org.au or call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.