CONSTRUCTION is underway on a new refuge in the Maitland local government area to provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with more access to secure accommodation.
Housing Plus is developing the refuge, with specialist support services to be delivered onsite by Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence and Homelessness Services once the project is complete.
“Once built, this refuge in Maitland will be a safe place for women with or without children to rebuild their lives and live free from abuse,” said Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson.
Under the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program, Housing Plus has been awarded $6.4 million to deliver the refuge, which will provide eight units of crisis accommodation for women and children leaving violence.
The project will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units designed to support different household types.
One unit will be wheelchair accessible, and the shared areas will also be accessible for residents with restricted mobility.
Each unit will be fully self-contained, featuring its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, private outdoor space and an area for pets.
The refuge will feature indoor and outdoor play spaces for children, as well as designated areas for communal activities.
Once complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said the region has been “crying out for these services for over a decade”.
“Domestic and family violence remains a significant issue in Maitland, with Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data showing domestic violence-related assault charges have increased by 3.6% and sexual assault charges by 14.3 percent in the last decade.”
Acting CEO of Housing Plus Group, Maria Woods said, “The commencement of construction on this state-of-the-art emergency accommodation marks an exciting milestone for our organisation and the Maitland community.
“The Core and Cluster model offers an innovative approach to independent living while ensuring access to vital support services, and we are proud to be leading the way in creating a safe and welcoming space for women and children.
“Our partnership with Carrie’s Place brings together our design and construction expertise with their deep local experience in service delivery, and we look forward to opening the doors together in 2027.”
CEO of Carrie’s Place, Jayne Clowes said the facility represents “hope, safety, and a pathway forward” for women and children experiencing violence.
“Demand for crisis accommodation continues to rise, and this purpose‑built facility will help ensure that families in danger have somewhere safe to turn.”
Accessing support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero.
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, seven days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
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