The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence with a new refuge in Goulburn set to begin construction this year.
The government is partnering with experienced service provider Anglicare in this project, with an investment of more than $5.5 million.
The refuge will feature six, three-bedroom crisis accommodation units, which Anglicare is expected to deliver by the end of 2026.
It will also be designed to accommodate women and children with disabilities, and includes a dedicated wheelchair-accessible unit.
Based on Core and Cluster design principles, the 'cluster' of self-contained units that promote independent living and privacy will be located near a 'core' of common areas that can be used to deliver support services for victim-survivors.
There will be child focused spaces such as a sensory play area, pet-friendly spaces, private rooms for counselling and one-to-one support, as well as larger common areas such as a community garden for group activities and programs.
The facility will also have culturally sensitive spaces, such as a yarning circle, to promote the healing and wellbeing of its future occupants.
Every aspect of the refuge's design is focused on the safety, wellbeing, independence, and dignity of its future occupants.
The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which once completed will help more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year with housing and support services.
The Minns Labor Government is working hard to address the scourge of domestic and family violence in the state. This includes continuing to provide support and safe accommodation for victim-survivors, as well as justice reforms, intervening earlier, and rolling out a primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"The housing crisis disproportionately impacts women and families who are escaping domestic and family violence.
"The NSW Government is building more homes and delivering crisis accommodation, dedicated to women and children fleeing violence, to ensure they have a safe place to turn when they need it most.
"This refuge in Goulburn will provide the stability and support domestic violence victim-survivors need to recover and rebuild their lives."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"Women and children experiencing and fleeing violence and abuse are particularly vulnerable to homelessness.
"That's why this government is investing in crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and ensuring they are supported to heal, recover, and reconnect with their community.
"Once built, this refuge will be a safe place for women with or without children to rebuild their lives and live free from abuse."
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."
Trevor Ament CEO of Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT said:
"Anglicare provides advocacy, holistic care, and support to people in need throughout our regions, empowering them to fully participate in their communities.
"That's exactly what we aim to achieve by building safe accommodation for women and children leaving domestic and family violence.
"When the doors open, we will offer a place where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to heal and rebuild their lives."
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.
