The NSW Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic violence with construction beginning on a new emergency refuge in the Newcastle LGA.
Home in Place has started building the nine-unit Core and Cluster complex that will feature a central hub of on-site support services to help victim-survivors rebuild their lives and heal from trauma. The site will also have a dedicated yarning space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The NSW Government is investing $8.97 million into the construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The Core and Cluster model 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 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.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government's work to address domestic and family violence in the state from every angle - by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery. Making sure women and children have a safe place to go when they escape abuse is crucial to their recovery and helping them rebuild their lives.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Women fleeing abusive relationships need a safe and secure place to rebuild their lives, free from violence and the fear that comes with it.
"Core and Cluster refuges have already made a significant difference giving women and children a secure place to turn to when they need it most.
"With more Core and Cluster refuges underway-including right here in the Newcastle LGA-the NSW Government remains committed to providing women and children with the safety and support they deserve."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"Having a safe place to stay is a crucial element in helping women and children escape domestic violence and recover.
"We want victim-survivors to know they have somewhere safe to go, with 49 brand new refuges under the Core and Cluster program expected to be operational across the state by 2026. Having services on site also means support is available when they need it most to help them heal, regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.
"This new refuge in the Newcastle LGA is an important addition to the region, as we work towards building a New South Wales free from domestic and family violence."
Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"Domestic and family violence is a huge issue all over NSW, and the Hunter is stepping up to be part of the solution - giving victim-survivors a safe space and a fresh start.
"We know the hardest part of leaving an unsafe situation is taking that first step, so we're giving victims the confidence that once they've made it, the rest is taken care of - with the solutions they need for the journey ahead, right at their fingertips."
Lyndall Robertshaw, CEO Australia of Home in Place, said:
"With almost four decades of experience in delivering housing projects for people who are most in need in our community, we understand the importance of designing safe spaces that encourage healing and rebuilding.
"Safe, appropriate housing is a fundamental human right. If you are worrying and organising where you or your family will sleep that night, it is very hard to work, study, raise children, take care of your physical or mental health or contribute to your 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 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.
