THE Hastings community has again given generously in support of Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, with almost $80k raised at the ToxTails fundraiser on 7 March.
Around 200 guests attended the glamorous gala event at Haven Ridge, raising the largest total since the fundraiser began in 2022.
ToxTails has grown steadily each year, driven by organiser Dr Kristy Kostalas from the Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic (PMAC).
Since its inception, the event has helped raise $264,298.93 for Liberty’s domestic and family violence services, providing vital support for people across the Mid North Coast region.
Dr Kostalas told News Of The Area the idea for the fundraiser grew from experiences she encountered during her years working as a GP.
“Behind closed doors, in consulting rooms, you hear things that stay with you,” she said.
“ToxTails started as an idea to combine what I do professionally with something that actually matters, and it grew from there.
“Each year it gets bigger because the community keeps showing up.”
For Liberty the funds raised translate into practical, life-changing support such as safe accommodation, transport from outlying communities, meals, and emergency relocation costs for families escaping violence.
Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb said the funds raised at the Toxtails event will make a direct and immediate difference to women, children and families in the region.
“Liberty is currently operating at nearly double its funded capacity, meaning community donations are essential to keeping vital services and programs running,” Ms Lamb said.
Last year, Liberty engaged with more than 3,000 people across prevention, intervention, response, recovery and healing.
“The need for our services continues to grow,” Ms Lamb said.
“Domestic and family violence remains the leading cause of homelessness for women and children, and in 2024, one woman was killed on average every four days – one of the worst years on record.
“We can’t do this alone.
“We rely on the generosity and commitment of our community to meet the needs of local families and to continue preventing and responding to domestic and family violence.”
“Liberty is grateful to ToxTails organiser Dr Kristy Kostalas, major sponsor Regional Australia Bank, and every business and individual who supported the event.”
Choosing Liberty as the beneficiary of the fundraiser was a natural decision, Dr Kostalas said.
“These aren’t distant statistics – these are our neighbours, our patients, people in our community who need localised, trauma-informed support,” she added.
“When I looked at where funds could make the most direct impact for people in the Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast area, Liberty was the clear answer.”
The event highlighted the generosity of the local community, with volunteers, suppliers and businesses contributing their time and resources to make the night possible.
Dr Kostalas said her entire PMAC team volunteered their evening, with a special mention to Cindy Redmond who played a key role in coordinating the event.
She also acknowledged the support of Haven Ridge, Strobe Productions, Romeo’s Cocktails and Char Bar, along with many other local businesses who stepped forward to help.
“What moves me every year is that people don’t just buy a ticket,” Dr Kostalas said.
“They give generously on the night, they bid in the auction, they bring their friends, and they share what ToxTails stands for.
“Regional communities sometimes get underestimated, but Port Macquarie shows up.”
With sponsorship applications now open for ToxTails 2027, organisers say the event will continue to grow, supported by a community determined to stand together and make a difference.
Donations can be made at any time at libertyservices.org.au/donate.
As little as $50 can provide a woman and her children with a warm meal, while $500 can help cover the cost of a removalist for a family who must relocate quickly to escape violence.
By Sis HIGGINS
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