A survivor of domestic and family violence, Karuah RSL Vice-President Elaine Wilson has transformed her lived experience into a powerful force for good through her exceptional support of the Got Your Back Sista charity.
Elaine Wilson is a shining example of turning pain into purpose.
The Karuah RSL Vice-President exemplifies the industry’s commitment to eradicating domestic and family violence (DFV) through her exceptional support of Got Your Back Sista — a Newcastle-based organisation helping women and children escape abusive situations.
A survivor herself, Elaine has spearheaded various fundraising efforts for the charity through the Club while also collecting and delivering vital goods and food for women who are often starting over with nothing to their name.
“I had a very bad life in that time, but I’m over that now,” Elaine says, reflecting on past experiences with DFV.
“It’s more about what I can do to help other people now rather than things in the past that you couldn’t change.”
Got Your Back Sista credits Elaine with rallying the Karuah community behind its cause and helping to raise crucial funds. The Club has held multiple events in support of the organisation.
The industry at large is also firmly standing alongside the charity; without government funding, Got Your Back Sista relies heavily on ClubGrants to sustain its operations.
Driven by Elaine’s passion, Karuah RSL has contributed more than $32,000 in recent years, while several other clubs in the Hunter region combined to provide almost $65,000 in ClubGrants funding in 2025 — helping to enable Got Your Back Sista’s suite of crucial support programs.
Clubs are making a tangible difference in the DFV space — highlighted by the first state-wide Purple Friday campaign in May — and Elaine knows it’s an issue that reaches all sections of the community.
“Even at the Club on a Friday night, you could say that there’s probably three or four people in that area that actually have got the domestic violence (experience) but don’t talk about it,” she says.
Elaine continues to courageously share her story to underline the importance of Got Your Back Sista’s work.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that I got involved in this and I will keep getting involved in it,” she says. “It is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done in my life.”
Her immense impact is evident in the words of Susi Stewart, Got Your Back Sista’s Fundraising, Community and Events Manager.
“Elaine is truly one of a kind. Her generosity, compassion and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place shine through in everything she does,” Susi says.
“She has been a passionate advocate for Got Your Back Sista, rallying the Karuah community behind our cause and helping raise both vital funds and awareness of domestic and family violence.
“Elaine is a rare breed whose kindness, dedication and ability to bring people together have created a lasting impact. We are incredibly grateful for her unwavering support and the difference she continues to make in the lives of so many.”
That sentiment is echoed by Karuah RSL CEO Chris Fraser.
“For me, Elaine typifies what a club director should be all about,” Chris says. “She is an outgoing, community-minded person who is always the first to put her hand up to help.
“Whether it’s fundraising for charities such as Got Your Back Sista, volunteering her time for community events, or supporting activities at the Club, Elaine gives her time generously without seeking recognition.
“She has a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive difference in the community… she is, quite simply, a genuine ‘clubby’ — someone who embodies the values of community, volunteerism and service.”
