New women’s refuge for Walgett Shire
The NSW Government has invested more than $6.2 million to develop a new Aboriginal-led refuge in the Walgett Shire.
The refuge will be built by Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation Ltd as part of the government’s Core and Cluster program.
The project proposal will be for six, two-bedroom self-contained units, including one wheelchair accessible unit and pet-friendly spaces. The refuge will promote cultural safety and independent living for women and children fleeing violence in the region.
“We know that the refuge’s culturally responsive design will ensure victim-survivors feel culturally safe and supported as they rebuild their lives after violence and abuse,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.
“This Core and Cluster refuge is just one way the NSW Government is investing in efforts to meeting the Closing The Gap target to halve rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities over the next five to six years.”
Through the ‘core’ service on-site, residents will have access to culturally responsive and trauma informed supports such as individual counselling, legal assistance, family therapy and employment services.
Common areas will include child-friendly spaces such as an indoor and outdoor play area, teen space, study nooks, and a multipurpose room, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents as they heal and rebuild their lives.
The NSW Government says it 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 Minns Labor Government’s wider effort to address domestic and family violence in the state. It includes an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
It also includes funding to expand our Staying Home Leaving Violence program, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention and rolling out our first dedicated primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.
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.
