The Minns Labor Government has this week opened a new refuge in the Blacktown LGA as part of the government's $426.6 million Core and Cluster program.
Developed by Community Housing Provider Link Wentworth Housing with capital funding of $5.9 million from the government, the new refuge comprises five townhouses in a 'cluster', with support services to be delivered by specialist provider Domestic Violence NSW Service Management at the 'core'.
Under the Core and Cluster program, the Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors, with plans to deliver 49 new refuges across the state and support and house more than 2,900 women and children each year.
The new refuge in the Blacktown LGA includes self-contained townhouses equipped with their own kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and private outdoor area. Breakout and study spaces have also been incorporated to support the recovery, independence and school routines of children and young people. One of the townhouses is wheelchair accessible, as is the central core of supports, and the refuge is designed to be pet friendly.
Outdoor communal areas feature landscaped green space and a child-safe play area with equipment, creating a nurturing environment for children and families.
A central 'core' will provide access to specialist domestic and family violence support services, ensuring residents receive wraparound care in a safe and welcoming environment. Core facilities include office space, a counselling room, communal meeting areas, and a kitchen that can be used for cooking classes.
The Core and Cluster program is part of the Minns Labor Government's continuing work to provide victim-survivors with safe refuge, including a historic $5.1 billion in social and affordable housing, with half of new builds prioritised for those escaping domestic and family violence, and an additional $130 million for more crisis accommodation.
The Minns Labor Government addressing domestic and family violence from all angles from providing safe housing, closing gaps in frontline services, strengthening protections for women, holding perpetrators to account, to earlier intervention and long-term prevention.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"This refuge is a lifeline for women and children escaping violence, providing the comfort of a safe, home-like environment and the wraparound support they need to rebuild their lives.
"We are delivering these new Core and Cluster refuges because safety cannot wait. The opening of this new refuge in Blacktown is a step toward a safer future for victim-survivors in New South Wales."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said:
"No one should have to choose between safety and homelessness.
"The NSW Government is supporting women and children escaping abuse and making sure they have access to the services they need.
"This new refuge in the Blacktown LGA ensures women and children who flee violence will have a safe place to sleep at night, and support to rebuild their lives."
Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali MP said:
"These new facilities will ensure that women and children fleeing domestic violence have somewhere safe, clean, and homely to stay while they get back on their feet."
Domestic Violence NSW Service Management CEO Stephanie Smith said:
"It's challenging enough for women to leave violence with their children without the strain of having to live closely with strangers in shared accommodation. This Core and Cluster venue provides staff the ability to work in a way that is not only safe and supportive but allows dignity and a space of healing to the women and children who have suffered so greatly."
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.
