Government invests $5.6 million into culturally safe refuge for Lake Macquarie

Aboriginal-led organisation Wandiyali will build the new refuge, which will provide six self-contained units for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. The refuge will include one wheelchair accessible unit and pet-friendly common areas.

It will incorporate elements of the traditional Aboriginal concept of a yarning circle in the building and landscape design. The communal outdoor space will include a vegetable, bush and medicine garden, along with dedicated areas for learning, play and relaxation.

Following the Core and Cluster model, a central hub will provide spaces for residents to receive on-site support, facilitating access to services such as individual counselling, legal advice and employment support.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides women and childing fleeing violent situations with crisis accommodation and on-site specialist domestic and family violence support services.

Once completed, the program will help more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

This is part of the NSW Government's wider effort to address domestic and family violence in the state, including an historic $5.1 billion in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

"Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness in our state, which is why the NSW government is committed to building secure and stable accommodation for women and children fleeing violence.

"When a woman takes that step to leave an abusive relationship, she should not have to worry about whether she will have a safe place to stay, or whether her children will have a roof over their head."

"Once this refuge is built, domestic and family violence victim-survivors in the Lake Macquarie LGA will know they have somewhere to go - they don't have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent situation."

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

"The NSW Government is proud to partner with Wandiyali, an Aboriginal-led organisation, to build this Core and Cluster refuge for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

"Wandiyali's culturally responsive approach to design will ensure its future residents feel culturally safe and supported after fleeing violent and abusive situations.

"This Core and Cluster program is one way the NSW Government is investing in efforts to meet Closing The Gap goals such as halving the rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities over the next five to six years."

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

"The NSW Government understands the need for more crisis housing and support for victim-survivors of domestic violence in regional areas across the state.

"That's why 36 of the 49 refuges built under the Core and Cluster program will operate in regional locations, including this one in Lake Macquarie.

"We're also committed to working with Aboriginal-led providers like Wandiyali to ensure the design of the refuges are culturally safe and appropriate, and reflect the needs of the local community.

"We look forward to seeing this project up and running because we know it'll provide a safe and secure place for women and children to start rebuilding their lives free from violence."

Independent Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper MP said:

"This funding will ensure the delivery of much needed safe spaces for our most vulnerable families fleeing domestic and family violence.

"The Core and Cluster model provides the perfect opportunity to provide essential housing solutions and connection to vital supports which will ensure these families have access to every resource they need to successfully rebuild their futures.

"I commend Wandiyali for their commitment to delivering this important housing solution and ensuring a culturally understanding environment."

Jai Kilroy CEO of Wandiyali said:

"Wandiyali are proud to be delivering this Core and Cluster refuge to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence in our local community.

"As an Aboriginal organisation, we are committed to ensuring the refuge is culturally responsive and safe, so Aboriginal women and children know they have a place where their culture, identity, and wellbeing are respected and protected when fleeing violence and abuse.

"We look forward to opening the doors and welcoming victim-survivors as they begin the journey of rebuilding their lives, free from violence, with dignity, safety, and hope."