THE Under The Purple Sky Gala Dinner was a great success at Aussie World on May 27, raising much-needed funds and uniting the Sunshine Coast against violence.

Held on the last Saturday in Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, this event put a spotlight on the real heroes in our community who form part of the solution to this ever-increasing social issue.

A total of 300 guests in cocktail attire walked the Aussie World Promenade which was flooded purple in recognition and celebration of the people who have said no to violence.

Guest could even enjoy the romance of the carousel and Ferris wheel - all for a good cause.

Lions inPlace Inc (formerly Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre Inc) has been operating on the Sunshine Coast since 1979 and is a project of Lions clubs from districts 201Q3 and 201Q4.

The service supports individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or escaping domestic and family violence.

Every day, the service has to turn people away due to lack of vacancies in emergency accommodation.

This year, Lions inPlace is launching a new domestic and family violence mobile support service that will allow the service to reach more women and children, and help them to live safely and understand the impacts of domestic and family violence in their lives.

Lions inPlace Inc relies on the financial support of the community to help with the cost of providing support to clients who are not covered by government grants.