A new refuge - Walgett Women's Safe House - opens today, providing crisis accommodation and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence in the local area.
With a $4.6 million investment by the government, the complex has been delivered by Maas Constructions and local community Elders will be invited to give each building an Aboriginal name.
There is an urgent need for safe housing in Walgett which has the highest rate of reported domestic violence assault incidents in NSW.
A priority group for this refuge is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who will have access to culturally appropriate supports and connections within their community.
The NSW Government is working hard to address this crisis of domestic and family violence in the state through our $245.6 million domestic violence package.
The Government is also committed to our Closing the Gap target of reducing family violence and abuse against Aboriginal women and children.
Walgett Women's Safe House is one of the many initiatives the NSW Government is implementing to respond in a meaningful and sustained way to reduce the high number of Aboriginal women and children impacted by family violence.
This refuge comprises 5 houses and an on-site office where residents will have access to specialist domestic and family violence case worker support.
Mission Australia will manage the safe house and deliver support services to residents, including counselling and legal assistance.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Domestic and family violence is one of the main causes of homelessness in women and children.
"The NSW Government is committed to addressing this issue, with $5.1 billion in our most recent budget to build safe, accessible and affordable housing, with half of them prioritised for people escaping abusive relationships."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"Closing the Gap is a top priority of the NSW Government and strong, local and culturally sensitive services are so important to healing and recovery for women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence.
"This refuge will boost on-the-ground housing and specialist support services in Walgett and provide vital whole of community care for its residents."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and ensuring women and children can live safely and freely in their own communities.
"Walgett Women's Safe House will provide a home for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, and a place where recovery is encouraged and supported, including holistic healing and wraparound support for Aboriginal women and families."
Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP said:
"Having a safe place to come home to at night is a basic human right. Women in Barwon who are affected by domestic violence currently have a shortage of places where they can take refuge. This safe house at Walgett will provide a much-needed secure refuge for women escaping domestic violence."
Labor spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence said:
"The Labor Government has identified the need for this vital service and is taking concrete action.
"The Women's Safe House Walgett is a crucial addition to supports for women and children escaping domestic violence and an essential service in this regional community."
Mission Australia Executive Ben Carblis said:
"As people struggle to access affordable housing across the region, refuges and women's safe houses are vital beacons of safety and security.
"The combination of housing with the provision of onsite wraparound services at the Walgett Women's Safe House ensures that women and their children can remain connected to their communities while being supported by Mission Australia staff as they start to rebuild their lives."
