Hilltops organisations struggle to meet growing demand for domestic violence support

In the Hilltops region of NSW, two local organisations — Young Crisis Accommodation Centre (YCAC) and Margaret House Refuge (MHR) — are at the forefront of responding to a rapidly escalating domestic violence crisis.

These services, which provide shelter and support for those fleeing abuse, are crucial in a region grappling with the highest rates of domestic violence-related assaults in the state’s southeast.

However, the demand for their services is rising at an alarming rate, and both are facing increasing pressure to meet the need.

Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke recently highlighted the issue in a speech to NSW Parliament, urging greater attention to the shortage of emergency accommodation in the region.

“Escaping violence starts with having somewhere else to go,” she said, emphasising the critical role of local organisations in providing safe spaces for those in crisis.

In a rural electorate that spans more than 7140 sq km and includes several small, dispersed communities, she said the challenge of accessing help was compounded by distance, isolation, and limited resources.

This speech also triggered a gathering at Parliament House where MHR and YCAC representatives met with state ministers for housing, women and the prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The meeting discussed potential collaborations to provide more crisis accommodation and housing solutions for women, children and families fleeing domestic violence, and for men and young people at risk of homelessness.

Ms Cooke said it was an important step in supporting community-led solutions to domestic and family violence.

“Kerri Palmer at YCAC and Anna Hayes at Margaret House are two incredible women changing the record in our communities, meeting people where they are at, to pursue a brighter future and follow their chosen goals,” Ms Cooke said.

It was a calamity that led to the creation of MHR back in 2007, when the long-established YCAC – originally set up in 1989 to provide safe and secure accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence and homelessness – faced closure simply because they needed a new home to house people.

Their strong presence in the community for more than 20 years meant hundreds of locals rallied, joined forces and decided to help rent a new premises to ensure this vital service was not lost. ⁠

One local farmer by the name of Margaret Brown made a very significant donation, which meant a property was able to be purchased and used as a refuge.

And so began Margaret House – a community-owned organisation providing crisis accommodation, named after its greatest benefactor.⁠

In 2019, after much fundraising and support, and a generous donation by the Mostyn Family Foundation, the house was renovated to provide two separate facilities that can now accommodate two families at once and allow more women and children in the Hilltops region a safe place to stay for emergency accommodation.

Three years later – in 2022 – a prefabricated house was added to the growing portfolio of safe houses.

Despite these efforts, the demand for emergency accommodation continues to outpace the available space.

In one year alone, Margaret House provided more than 700 nights of emergency accommodation, and last year, more than 350 people sought assistance from the refuge and YCAC combined.

Both organisations also serve as critical points of contact for those in need of more than just shelter. They offer emotional and practical support, helping individuals and families navigate the complex process of rebuilding their lives after trauma. But the resources available are limited, and as the demand continues to rise, there is an urgent need for more funding and housing options.

To address this need, Margaret House is working on a proposal to build six purpose-built units that could house up to 20 residents at a time. This expansion is seen as a necessary step in providing safe housing for women, children, and men at risk of homelessness or fleeing violence.

Ms Cooke, who has been an advocate for these organisations, recently welcomed a $50,000 grant awarded to Margaret House to support essential renovations.

While this funding is welcome and will help improve the facility’s energy efficiency and comfort, MHR president Anna Hayes said more is needed to keep pace with the growing crisis.

“Although we are so happy to be receiving this grant to improve and maintain the current facilities that MHR offer, it does not solve the massive issue that is facing our region with more crisis and temporary accommodation options desperately needed,” she said.

As Paint the Hilltops Purple Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence – approaches on 22 November, Ms Cooke has committed to continuing her advocacy for further funding and resources, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

“The work is far from finished,” she said. “We need to ensure that everyone who needs help can find a safe place to go, no matter where they live.”