The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping violence in regional communities, with the development of a new Aboriginal-led refuge in the Walgett Shire.
With an investment of more than $6.2 million, the refuge will be built by Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation Ltd as part of the government's Core and Cluster program.
The project proposal will be for six, two-bedroom self-contained units, including one wheelchair accessible unit and pet-friendly spaces. The refuge will promote cultural safety and independent living for women and children fleeing violence in the region.
Through the 'core' service on-site, residents will have access to culturally responsive and trauma informed supports such as individual counselling, legal assistance, family therapy and employment services.
Common areas will include child-friendly spaces such as an indoor and outdoor play area, teen space, study nooks, and a multipurpose room, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents as they heal and rebuild their lives.
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 specialist domestic and family violence support services. Once completed, the program will help more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government's wider effort to address domestic and family violence in the state. It includes an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
It also includes funding to expand our Staying Home Leaving Violence program, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention and rolling out our first dedicated primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in New South Wales.
"This Core and Cluster refuge in Walgett Shire - and the 48 others we're building across the state - will deliver much-needed emergency housing and specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.
"This safe haven will support its residents towards rebuilding their lives, healing from trauma, and reconnecting with community."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"The NSW Government is proud to partner with an Aboriginal-led organisation, Murdi Paaki, to deliver this refuge for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
"We know that the refuge's culturally responsive design will ensure victim-survivors feel culturally safe and supported as they rebuild their lives after violence and abuse.
"This Core and Cluster refuge is just one way the NSW Government is investing in efforts to meeting the Closing The Gap target to halve rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities over the next five to six years."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The Minns Labor Government is proud to partner with Murdi Paaki on the construction of this refuge for domestic and family violence victim-survivors in Walgett Shire.
"There is a great need for crisis accommodation and specialist support services across the state, including in regional, rural and remote New South Wales. We are committed to providing appropriate support and safe housing to victim-survivors irrespective of their postcode.
"Walgett Shire is the LGA with the highest rate of recorded domestic violence assault in NSW.
"This refuge will ensure domestic and family violence victim-survivors in the local community have a safe place to receive culturally appropriate and trauma informed support so they can recover to live free from violence."
Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
"I welcome this announcement from the NSW Government. Domestic violence is a scourge on society, and one of the biggest challenges women and children face in escaping a violent situation is having somewhere safe to go. Facilities like this allow women and children subjected to family or domestic violence to remove themselves from the threat and stay in a safe, supportive environment while they can recover and plan for the future."
General Manager of the Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation Ltd Paul Kemp said:
"Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation is proud to be leading the development of this refuge with our service partner Mission Australia and the NSW Government, to ensure there will be a safe place where women and children can escape violence and abuse".
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.
