28th November, 2024
The NSW Government is working to create a safer NSW for victim survivors of domestic and family violence, with two of 10 new refuges for women and children across regional areas to be delivered in LGAs within the Wollondilly electorate by 2026.
Under round three of the Core and Cluster program, new refuges will be delivered in Wollondilly and Wingecarribee.
This $83.4 million investment to deliver 10 new refuges will support more than 500 women and children a year fleeing domestic and family violence.
Under the first two rounds of the Core and Cluster program, an additional 39 refuges are being delivered across NSW.
Combined, all refuges delivered under the Core and Cluster program are estimated to assist and additional 2,900 women and children across the state.
Locations are selected on the basis of community need. Refuges will also be delivered across Wollongong, Goulburn-Mulwaree, the Central Coast, Coonamble Shire, Glen Innes, Clarence Valley, Walgett Shire and Lake Macquarie LGAs.
Four projects will be led by Aboriginal organisations, ensuring women and children fleeing family violence receive culturally appropriate housing and support as they rebuild their lives.
The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.
This forms part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to address domestic and family violence across New South Wales, at all stages, by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.
Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home.
“Tragically, that’s not the lived experience of too many women and children experiencing violence in Wollondilly.
“This Core and Cluster refuge will empower more women to make that decision to put the cycle of violence behind them and rebuild their lives.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“We’re doing everything we can to address the scourge of domestic violence – from strengthening bail laws, to prioritising half of new social and affordable housing builds for people fleeing violence and funding more refuges.
“This latest funding will provide 10 new refuges, mostly in regional areas, which will be open and ready to house up to 500 vulnerable women and children by the end of 2026. “Women and children escaping violent family relationships need a safe place to go. We are focused on ensuring help is available, especially for regional communities.
“The $426 million program will ensure up to 2,900 additional women and children can find a safe place to call home.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people, in partnership with the NSW Government.
“So it is pleasing the new Core and Cluster refuges will have a focus on assisting Aboriginal Women with four of the 10 projects being run by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
“As a result, these First Nations service providers will help ensure Aboriginal women and children escaping family violence receive the right type of culturally appropriate housing and support as they rebuild their lives.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“When a woman makes the courageous decision to leave a violent relationship, she needs a safe place to go to recover and rebuild her life.
“The Core and Cluster model provides accommodation but also hope for the future through tailored support to help victim-survivors heal.
“As part this final round, our focus has been to expand the Core and Cluster program to regional NSW and harder-to-reach communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The model ensures they receive culturally responsive supports that acknowledge the devastating impacts and accumulation of trauma across generations.”
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 on 13 92 7
Media: [email protected] or Benn Banasik 0434 832 636