The Minns Government is building safer communities in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, with a new $6.2 million refuge opening to provide safety and specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Named ‘Gunya’, the refuge has been delivered by local organisation SASSI, under Tranche 3 of the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program. SASSI will also provide specialist domestic and family violence support services to women and children on site.
Gunya features eight fully self-contained crisis accommodation units, alongside a central “core” facility where residents can access tailored support services in a safe and welcoming environment.
The mix of studio and two-bedroom units will meet the diverse needs of families. The studio unit is fully wheelchair accessible, while the core facility has also been designed to support residents with restricted mobility.
There is also a children’s play area and a dedicated outdoor area for pets, helping residents maintain independence and stability during their stay.
Gunya 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.
All 10 Tranche 3 projects are in regional New South Wales, bringing the total to 36 of the 49 Core and Cluster refuges based in regional, remote and rural areas – ensuring women and children can access the support they need no matter their postcode.
Once all 49 new refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.
This program is part of the NSW Government’s broader response to domestic and family violence, including investing an 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’s June Budget committed a landmark $184.1 million to provide a 50 per cent across-the-board uplift to six core specialist domestic and family violence programs, to make sure people experiencing domestic and family violence can receive timely life-saving support to recover and heal.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:
“Safe accommodation can be a lifeline for women and children experiencing domestic violence, this service will greatly improve the way we support families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
“The Minns Government understands that investing in women and children is an investment into the safety of our entire community, this refuge will be a legacy to those who have fiercely advocated for it.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“For women and children escaping violence, having a safe place to go can make all the difference. Gunya isn’t just four walls and a roof, it will give people stability, privacy and specialist support they need to start rebuilding their lives.
“We’re investing in more crisis accommodation because no one should be left without a safe option when they make the brave decision to leave a violent situation.
“Gunya is another example of the Minns Government putting our commitment into action – creating safe, purpose-built accommodation alongside specialist services that help victim-survivors recover and move forward.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“We know that leaving a violent relationship is extremely difficult and often dangerous.
“Gunya gives women and children a safe place to go to, with specialist support to help them recover and heal.
“The Minns Labor Government continues to work hard to make sure women and children escaping domestic and family violence have the crucial support they need to rebuild their lives free from violence.
“This includes not only new refuges and specialist supports, but work to strengthen protections, hold perpetrators to account, early intervention and primary prevention to stop the violence before it starts.”
SASSI CEO Penny Dordoy said:
“Every woman and child deserves to live free from violence and fear.
“The opening of this new Core and Cluster refuge is an important step towards making that vision a reality for more families in the Illawarra.
“These eight homes will provide safety, dignity and a place to recover, while our integrated support services help women and children rebuild their lives and create brighter futures.
“SASSI is proud to work alongside the NSW Government and our community partners to deliver a service that offers not only accommodation, but hope, healing and opportunity.”
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
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.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
