A new refuge for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence is currently in development in south-western Sydney.
The New South Wales Government has invested more than $9.4 million into the construction of the refuge by Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation in Wollondilly.
The refuge will be designed with a focus on the safety and security of victim-survivors of domestic violence and will be a place where women and children can recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
This is part of the government’s Core and Cluster program and will provide up to ten self-contained units that cater for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, their children and pets.
Victim-survivors will also have on-site access to culturally safe and trauma-informed support services, ranging from individual counselling to legal assistance, family therapy to employment services.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation is a Community Housing Provider with over 40 years of experience in providing social housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
The organisation also offers a broad range of programs and supports for Aboriginal people, families, and communities in the south-western Sydney region, including cultural family programs, early learning and health services.
New South Wales Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, said that one of the main causes of homelessness for women and children in this state is domestic and family violence.
“The NSW Government is committed to building homes and delivering emergency accommodation for women and children escaping violence,” Jackson said.
“This refuge will provide a safe place to stay for victim-survivors in the south-west of Sydney and access to the crucial support they need to heal from trauma and reconnect with community.”
New South Wales Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said that this refuge will be a place of safety and culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal women and children fleeing violent homes and abusive relationships.
“We know the best way to support Aboriginal victim-survivors of domestic and family violence is for Aboriginal people to shape and drive outcomes in partnership with the NSW Government,” Harris said.
“Nine out of 49 refuges that will be built as part of the Core and Cluster program will be built by Aboriginal-led organisations, which will drive efforts to meet the Closing the Gap target of halving rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities by 2031.”
