The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales by investing $6.4 million into a new emergency refuge for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) in Griffith LGA.
Linking Communities Network has commenced building the 11-unit complex and common spaces where residents can access on-site support services to heal and rebuild their lives.
Located close to the existing women's refuge in Griffith, which has operated for over 40 years, the new refuge will add vital crisis accommodation capacity for women and children leaving violence, giving them the opportunity to stay within their established community.
The refuge will be pet-friendly, allowing women and children escaping DFV to bring their pets to safety, minimising disruption and helping create a safe and welcoming family environment.
The refuge is based on a Core and Cluster model that promotes independent living by providing a 'cluster' of self-contained accommodation located next to a 'core' of support, including access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.
The Griffith refuge is expected to start operation in 2026.
The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program to ensure support for more than an additional 2,900 women and children fleeing domestic and family violence across the state each year. The refuges are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The Minns Labor Government is taking action to address domestic and family in New South Wales, with a $245.6 million package that includes funding for frontline crisis response, justice reforms, earlier intervention, and implementing the first dedicated primary prevention strategy for the state.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"The NSW Government is investing a record amount of money to support domestic violence survivors, including emergency refuges for women leaving abusive relationships.
"Women escaping violent situations often have very few housing options, especially if they have children or pets, and we know that thousands of women become homeless or return to violent homes because they are unable to find alternative places to stay.
"Refuges like this Core and Cluster complex in Griffith will ensure that more women and children in the community will be able to rebuild their lives free from abuse and violence."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The New South Wales Government takes its responsibility to keep families safe from the harm and horror of domestic and family violence very seriously.
"The rates of domestic and family violence in the regions are unacceptably high. The New South Wales Government is committed to ensuring women and children have the support they need, no matter the postcode they live in.
"Importantly, we are making sure victim-survivors who escape violent homes have a safe and secure place to go to.
"This refuge in Griffith will deliver exactly that, and more, with holistic, wraparound support available on site to help them reconnect with their community and rebuild their lives."
Independent member for Murray Helen Dalton said:
"The new facility will provide vulnerable rural women access to much needed support.
"I'm pleased to say it will be the first Core and Cluster to be completed in Griffith and will double the refuge's capacity which is amazing.
"The new self-contained accommodation for women and children in the area who are trying to escape the scourge of domestic violence is welcome news."
CEO of Linking Communities Network Yvonne Wilson said:
"Our vision at Linking Communities Network is for all people to have access to safe and secure housing, live free from violence, and the freedom to reach their potential.
The Core and Cluster model aligns perfectly with our vision, providing safe and secure housing for victim-survivors of domestic violence alongside a hub of accessible and responsive support services provided by specialised domestic and family violence team.
We will enhance our already established service provision for Women and children who come through the doors of this refuge when we open in 2026. They will be safe and fully supported to live free from abuse and violence in their community."
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
