More women and children escaping violence in the Liverpool LGA will have access to safe refuge from this week, with the Minns Labor Government officially opening a new refuge in the area.
'The Willow' core and cluster refuge is part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to build a safer New South Wales and better support victim-survivors.
It was developed with $5.5 million investment from the NSW Government, and will be operated by Wesley Community Services Ltd, ensuring integrated support and housing services are available onsite.
The refuge includes 10 fully self-contained units, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom options to cater to a wide range of household needs. Each unit features its own kitchen, bathroom, living and dining space, and a private terrace to support privacy and independence. Two of the units are wheelchair accessible, and the central core areas are designed to accommodate residents with disability. The refuge is also pet-friendly, which is important to many families leaving violence.
The refuge's outdoor communal areas feature gardens, shaded seating areas and play equipment for children-creating nurturing and family-friendly spaces.
A central 'core' will deliver specialist domestic and family violence support services, providing residents with access to wraparound care in a safe and welcoming environment.
This new facility is part of the NSW Government's $426.6 million investment in the Core and Cluster program, which will deliver 49 new refuges across the state and support more than 2,900 women and children each year.
Providing safe housing for victim-survivors continues to be a critical part of the work the Minns Labor Government is doing to address domestic and family violence in the state. This includes an historic $5.1 billion investment for social and affordable housing, of which half of new builds will be prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and an additional $130 million announced recently for more crisis beds.
This is also part of a wider effort by the Minns Labor Government to reduce and eliminate domestic and family violence that includes boosting and supporting our frontline services, tougher laws to hold perpetrators to account, early intervention and primary prevention.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"The Willow is a vital addition to the Liverpool community, giving victim survivors of domestic and family violence a place where they can find safety and a path forward.
"We are committed to building a safer New South Wales where families can escape violence and begin again with wraparound support."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said:
"We want women and children escaping domestic violence to feel safe and secure so they can heal and rebuild their lives.
"The opening of The Willow marks a significant step forward in providing local, accessible support for victim-survivors.
"It reflects the government's commitment to addressing domestic and family violence through safe housing, frontline services, and long-term prevention."
Local member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:
"The opening of The Willow demonstrates the Minns Labor Government's commitment to addressing domestic and family violence in South West Sydney.
"There's a lot more work to do to eliminate this scourge on our society, but victim-survivors can now rely on a new service in the Liverpool LGA for wraparound care."
Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron, said:
"The Willow represents a vital step forward in ensuring women and children escaping domestic and family violence have access to safe, dignified and trauma-informed refuge."
"The Core and Cluster model allows families to maintain their own space and routines while receiving integrated wrap-around support, from counselling and legal assistance to employment pathways, as well as child-friendly environments."
"We are proud and grateful to partner with the NSW Government to deliver a refuge that genuinely supports and empowers healing, independence and long-term wellbeing."
Support:
For information on Men's Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
