The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $7.6 million into the construction of a new refuge for women and children fleeing violence in Glen Innes Severn LGA.
Pathfinders, an organisation that has provided homelessness and housing services in the local area for more than 30 years, is building the shelter which is expected to open its doors next year.
The project will include up to eight self-contained dwellings designed to allow independence, as well as common areas that cater to women, children of all ages, and pets.
The design will also support women and children with disability, including two units with wheelchair accessibility.
The refuge will feature a mix of communal spaces and private rooms onsite to deliver services such as counselling, legal assistance, and group programs.
The outdoor space will include a children's play area, yarning circle and vegetable garden, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents.
The Core and Cluster program provides crisis accommodation and on-site support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, so that women and children can feel safe and receive help as they recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the program, which will help more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government whole of government, whole of community response to domestic and family violence in the state. We are addressing domestic violence from all angles, including crisis support, justice reforms, earlier intervention and primary prevention.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"We know that domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness among women and children, with more than one in three specialist homelessness service recipients fleeing violence and abusive relationships.
"The NSW Government is committed to providing crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence who have already shown great courage to leave abusive relationships.
"Safety should never come at the cost of stability. This refuge will provide a strong foundation for women and children to rebuild their lives with security and support."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The New South Wales Government is investing in crisis accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence because we know there is a great need for it across the state, especially in regional New South Wales.
"We are committed to achieving appropriate, ongoing and wraparound support for victim-survivors, no matter their postcode.
"This refuge will be a beacon of hope for women who take the brave step to leave an abusive relationship, because they know they will have a safe place to stay.
"At this refuge, women and children will be fully supported to heal from trauma, restore their confidence, and reconnect with their community."
Labor spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose MLC said:
"Unfortunately, domestic and family violence exists across New South Wales and it is important to have women and children refuges in regional areas like Glenn Innes.
"We know victim-survivors escaping violence need access to on-site services that help them recover and rebuild their lives which makes this an important investment by the government."
Alan Brennan CEO of Pathfinders said:
"At Pathfinders, we are committed to creating opportunities for families and communities to thrive, ensuring that those most in need receive the support they need to overcome life's challenges.
"The construction of the Core and Cluster refuge in Glen Innes is a vital step in providing women and children escaping violence with a secure place to heal and rebuild their lives.
"Designed with safety and comfort in mind, the refuge will offer private, self-contained units alongside communal spaces where families can connect and access essential support. Key features include a dedicated children's play area and shared garden spaces.
"Our goal is to create a welcoming space that offers both the security and privacy needed for recovery, where families can begin to feel safe while regaining their independence."
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.
