The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, with the opening of a new purpose-built crisis accommodation refuge in the Port Stephens LGA.
The $7.2 million refuge was funded under the Core and Cluster program and has been delivered by Hume Community Housing.
Called Aunty Colleen’s Place, the refuge comprises six self-contained units ranging from one to three bedrooms, with one of the two-bedroom units are designed to be accessible for residents with limited mobility.
Each unit allows for independent living and includes its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as private outdoor space, with an area for pets.
Built with healing and connection in mind, the refuge has sensory play and recreation areas for children as well as a fruit and vegetable garden incorporated into the design.
The refuge also features a dedicated area where residents can access tailored support.
Specialist staff from Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services Inc will deliver crucial support services so families can recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
This investment is part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program, to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.
Once all refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.
The safety of women and children in regional New South Wales is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, with 36 of the 49 Core and Cluster refuges based in communities outside metropolitan areas.
The program is part of the wider work by this government to provide safe housing for those escaping domestic and family violence, including a historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors, and an additional $130 million for new crisis beds.
The Minns Labor Government also continues to make sure victim-survivors can access specialist support when they need it, investing a historic $184.1 million in the June Budget to increase funding to six core programs by 50 per cent.
The government is working to address domestic, family and sexual violence from boosting crisis response, strengthening protections for victim-survivors, holding perpetrators to account, earlier intervention and primary prevention.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
All women and children deserve to live free from violence and the Core and Cluster model recognises that they need more than just a roof over their heads.
Aunty Colleen’s Place will not only provide secure accommodation for families escaping domestic and family violence in the Port Stephens LGA, it will also provide them with the specialist support they need to rebuild their lives.
The Minns Labor Government continues to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. This includes making sure those in regional New South Wales have safe places to go when they escape violence and access to life-saving support when they need it most.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
I’m very proud to be delivering Port Stephens first refuge for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, because our community has been crying out for it for a very long time.
Our long-awaited, much-needed refuge means a lot to my community, because we know the difference it will make to women and children who walk through its doors.
I’m grateful to the wonderful teams at Hume Housing and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service for partnering with us to deliver a purpose-built refuge with a big heart, aptly named in honour of a woman with a big heart, Aunty Colleen.”
Chief Executive Officer of Hume Community Housing Brad Braithwaite said:
“Hume Housing is proud to have partnered with the NSW Government and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services Inc to deliver the first refuge for women and children in Port Stephens.
“No woman or child should have to stay in a violent situation because there is nowhere to go. If we are to address domestic violence, then we must ensure that there is access to safe and secure housing.
“This new refuge will provide women and children access to safe, secure crisis accommodation as they begin their journey towards healing and recovery.”
Manager of Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services Inc Sue Pollock said:
For too many years, women and children in our community have not been able to access a safe and secure place to flee violence. Many women are forced to stay, or return, to violent relationships because they do not have anywhere to go. This refuge will ensure we can provide women and children with safety as they take their next steps to rebuild, recover and heal.
We are proud to announce Port Stephen’s first refuge: Aunty Colleen’s Place. Aunty Colleen, a proud Worimi woman, cared deeply for the Community – particularly through supporting the next generation. She was proud of her Culture, a steadfast advocate for justice, and was passionate about passing on her knowledge and values. Aunty Colleen’s Place will be a place of safety, belonging, comfort for women and children to catch their breath and to heal.”