The three units have been described as “exit points” from crisis accommodation, where women and their children can live independently. Photos: Supplied.
CONTENT WARNING: This story refers to domestic and family violence.
New accommodation is set to make the transition from escaping domestic and family violence easier for women and children in southern NSW.
The three units in Eurobodalla Shire are part of the Core and Cluster model, with self-contained accommodation units located near communal facilities.
South East Women and Children’s Services (SEWACS), a local community housing provider and specialist domestic violence service, will manage the homes.
CEO Gabrielle Jones said the units represented far more than a place to stay.
“I am very pleased to see the completion of these new units, which will provide comfortable, supported, transitional housing for three families.
“These units will be an invaluable asset to our service and community and will allow the people we support to transition into permanent housing.
“As both a community housing provider and a support service the units will provide exit points from our crisis accommodation service. We are very grateful to receive the keys for these dwellings.”
The facility, comprising three two-bedroom units, has been funded under the NSW Government’s $6.8 million Core and Cluster Pilot program.
The units are fully self-contained and set within landscaped gardens.
One of the units is fully accessible.
The program is designed to provide medium-term housing for women and children leaving SEWACS’s nearby emergency refuge and has the goal of offering a safe and comfortable environment as they recover and heal from trauma.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the service would help ensure regional women could access the support they needed.
“The new units in Eurobodalla will provide a vital medium-term accommodation option for women and children who need a secure space when they escape abuse.
“We know that women in regional areas face different challenges to those in metropolitan Sydney. These units close a gap where women fleeing violence are supported in their move toward independent living.”
The Core and Cluster Pilot program tested innovative accommodation models across four sites in regional New South Wales, with the Eurobodalla development being its final pilot site.
The other sites, which are already operational, are located in the Orange, Armidale and Griffith local government areas.
The new units sit alongside the NSW Government’s $426.6 million investment in the broader Core and Cluster program, which is set to deliver 49 new refuges across the state.
It’s expected they will provide support for more than 2900 additional women and children each year.
Member for Bega Doctor Michael Holland welcomed news of the facility, which opened this month.
“The opening of this transitional accommodation in the Eurobodalla is a significant step in strengthening safety and support for women and children escaping domestic and family violence in our region.
“Having locally managed, medium-term accommodation means victim-survivors have a choice to remain close to their communities, schools, services and support networks while they recover and rebuild their lives.”
He thanked SEWACS for its efforts in agreeing to manage the accommodation.
“This investment demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s strong commitment to ensuring regional communities like ours in the Eurobodalla have access to safe housing and the support needed to break the cycle of violence and build the safe future everybody deserves.”
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732.
Help and support are also available through the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.
For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
