The new Core and Cluster refuge will be delivered by Hume Community Housing (Hume). With a development site now acquired, the refuge is expected to be completed in 2026.
The project will include six self-contained units that enable independent living, family and pet-friendly common areas, and private spaces for residents to receive on-site support.
The refuge will be a critical addition to the local service system supporting women and children leaving violence.
It will be located in a peaceful area that is also close to public transport and other amenities, ensuring women and children have easy access to schools, shops, and essential support services.
Hume has more than 30 years' experience delivering affordable and social housing across NSW, and already provides social, affordable, and specialist disability housing for more than 9,000 people.
The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides women and childing fleeing violent situations with crisis accommodation and on-site counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.
Once completed, the 49 Core and Cluster projects will support more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government's whole of government, whole of community response to domestic and family violence in the state. With an additional $245.6 million in last year's budget, the government is working to boost crisis response, reform bail laws and hold perpetrators accountable, as well as intervene earlier so violence doesn't escalate and roll out the state's first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Domestic and family violence is a major cause of homelessness in New South Wales - that's why we are committed to delivering more housing solutions for women and children escaping violent and abusive situations.
"We want victim-survivors to know they will have a safe place to stay when they leave an abusive relationship.
"More than just a roof over their head, these new refuges also ensure women and their children have the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"There is an urgent need for housing across the state, especially for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
"Through the Core and Cluster program, the New South Wales Government will deliver 49 new refuges for victim-survivors of domestic violence - many in regional and rural parts of the state - including one here in the Wingecarribee LGA.
"The design of these projects means residents will not only have the privacy of independent living areas but also have access to on-site support, so they can recover from the trauma they've experienced and learn to live free from violence and the fear of violence."
Labor spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC said:
"There is nothing as important as having access to a safe and secure home. These refuges will not only provide shelter, they will provide a sense of peace and hope for families in need."
Brad Braithwaite, CEO of Hume Community Housing said:
"Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children. If we are going to address domestic violence we must invest in housing, Mr Braithwaite said.
"Access to safe housing should never be the reason why a woman or child stays in a violent, abusive home. Hume is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and Women's Community Shelters to deliver and asset manage this independent living refuge and core facility.
"At Hume we believe everyone should have access to a safe, secure and affordable home."
