Work will begin this year on the construction of a new women’s refuge in Goulburn, with the NSW Government partnering with service provider, Anglicare, for the project with an investment of more than $5.5 million.
The refuge will feature six, three-bedroom crisis accommodation units, which Anglicare is expected to deliver by the end of 2026.
It will also be designed to accommodate women and children with disabilities, and includes a dedicated wheelchair-accessible unit.
“Women and children experiencing and fleeing violence and abuse are particularly vulnerable to homelessness,” said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison.
“That’s why this government is investing in crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and ensuring they are supported to heal, recover, and reconnect with their community.
“Once built, this refuge will be a safe place for women with or without children to rebuild their lives and live free from abuse.”
Based on Core and Cluster design principles, the ‘cluster’ of self-contained units that promote independent living and privacy will be located near a ‘core’ of common areas that can be used to deliver support services for victim-survivors.
There will be child-focused spaces such as a sensory play area, pet-friendly spaces, private rooms for counselling and one-to-one support, as well as larger common areas such as a community garden for group activities and programs.
The facility will also have culturally sensitive spaces, such as a yarning circle, to promote the healing and wellbeing of its future occupants.
“This refuge in Goulburn will provide the stability and support domestic violence victim-survivors need to recover and rebuild their lives,” said Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson.
“When the doors open, we will offer a place where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to heal and rebuild their lives,” said CEO of Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT, Trevor Ament.
“Anglicare provides advocacy, holistic care, and support to people in need throughout our regions, empowering them to fully participate in their communities.
“That’s exactly what we aim to achieve by building safe accommodation for women and children leaving domestic and family violence,” said Mr Ament.
