This National Homelessness Week, the Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
This week, a new modular build refuge in Revesby was assembled onsite.
By adopting this innovative construction method, the new refuge is set to be completed before the end of the year and will be one of the first Core and Cluster refuges to use modular construction. This method of building homes is much faster and more cost-efficient than traditional construction projects.
The NSW Government has invested $2.29 million in this Core and Cluster refuge to be delivered by Women's Community Shelters. It will comprise four self-contained studio units, a refurbished house containing a two-bedroom unit and a central hub where domestic and family violence support services will be delivered.
The four studio units have been built offsite in a controlled environment, and will be progressively assembled onsite to complete the cluster of accommodation.
Modular construction can improve build quality through factory controlled settings and eliminate delays caused by unexpected events such as extreme weather. It also reduces disruption for neighbours and the community.
The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides victim-survivors with safe and secure accommodation and easy access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support. Once completed, a total of 49 refuges will house and support more than an additional 2,900 women and children across the state each year.
Additionally, the NSW Government will deliver an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
Providing safe housing for victim-survivors continues to be a critical part of the work the NSW Government is doing to address domestic and family violence in the state. It is also part of a wider effort that includes boosting and supporting our frontline services, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention, and primary prevention.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"It's so exciting that construction is underway for one of the first modular projects as part of the Core and Cluster program.
"The NSW Government supports innovative solutions to building more homes faster for people who need it the most.
"Because of the efficiency of modular construction, women and children escaping domestic and family violence in Revesby will very soon have a safe place to stay, and get the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The NSW Government understands the urgent need for emergency housing for women and children fleeing violent homes and abusive relationships across the state.
"We want to get families into safe and secure housing as soon as possible so they can begin healing and recovering from the trauma of violence and abuse.
"I'm excited that, for the first time, a Core and Cluster refuge is going to be built using modular construction, which has proven to be far more efficient than traditional building methods. This will allow Women's Community Shelters to begin delivering crucial support to women and children much sooner."
Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson MP said:
"Having been involved in the early establishment of Biyani House, I've seen firsthand how vital this kind of support is. I'm thankful for this Core and Cluster expansion in our local area. It means more women and families in our community will have access to the support and secure accommodation they need to rebuild their lives.
"Too often, women escaping domestic violence are left with nowhere to go, facing the choice between staying in danger or becoming homeless.
"The NSW Government's increased focus on domestic violence has brought vital attention and resources to this issue. Building on recent Core and Cluster announcements in our community, this innovative modular construction is another significant step forward."
Annabelle Daniel OAM CEO of Women's Community Shelters said:
"At Women's Community Shelters we see an ever-increasing number of women seeking safety every night in Sydney as the impacts of the dual crises of homelessness and domestic violence pushes demand for safe beds way beyond capacity.
"The theme of Homelessness Week 2025 is 'action now' and that is exactly what we are witnessing today as modular units are lifted by crane into our existing Biyani House crisis shelter to become urgently needed safe havens for women and children.
"Modular units are time-efficient to build, mobilise and make into homes. We applaud the NSW Government for funding this smart and innovative solution, and thank our dedicated community partners Housing All Australians, Shape Builders, DAS Studio, DT Infrastructure and Revesby Workers Club who have gone above and beyond to make this possible."
Support:
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.