The Minns Labor Government is working to create a safer Central Coast for victim survivors of domestic and family violence, with one of 10 new refuges for women and children across regional areas to be delivered in the region by 2026.
Under round three of the Core and Cluster program, $83.4 million has been invested across NSW to support more than 500 women and children a year fleeing domestic and family violence.
This is the third round of the Core and Cluster program, which has to date delivered 39 refuges across the state.
Combined, all refuges delivered under the Core and Cluster program are estimated to assist an additional 2,900 women and children across NSW.
Locations are selected on the basis of community need. In addition to Central Coast, refuges will be delivered across Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Wollongong, Coonamble Shire, Glen Innes, Clarence Valey, Walgett Shire, Lake Macquarie and Wollondilly LGAs.
The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.
This forms part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to address domestic and family violence across New South Wales, at all stages, by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.
Support
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
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. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“We’re doing everything we can to address the scourge of domestic violence – from strengthening bail laws, to prioritising half of new social and affordable housing builds for people fleeing violence and funding more refuges.
“Women and children leaving violent family relationships need a safe place to go.
“The Central Coast facility is among 10 new refuges being provided by this latest funding, which combined will be open and ready to house up to 500 vulnerable women and children a year by the end of 2026.
“The $426 million program will ensure up to 2,900 additional women and children can find a safe place to call home.”
Minister for the Central Coast and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“It is critical that victim survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe place to go and I am pleased the NSW Government is funding a new refuge for women and children on the Central Coast as part of a NSW-wide roll out.
“It is also pleasing the new Core and Cluster refuges will have a focus on assisting Aboriginal Women, with four of the 10 projects being run by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“The Core and Cluster model provides accommodation but also hope for the future through tailored support to help victim-survivors heal.
“As part of this third round, our focus has been to expand the Core and Cluster program to regional NSW and harder-to-reach communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The model ensures they receive culturally responsive supports that acknowledge the devastating impacts and accumulation of trauma across generations.
“The Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge will ensure victim-survivors in the region have access to holistic wraparound support when they make the courageous decision to leave.”
Member for the Entrance David Mehan MP said:
“Family and domestic violence is a tragic reality experienced by too many in our community.
“The Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge will provide a safe haven for women and children to rebuild their lives free from violence.
“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government committed to addressing critical social issues and breaking the cycle of domestic and family violence.”
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP said:
“Everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and leaving a violent family relationship takes courage. After women and children make this courageous decision, it is critical that they have a safe place to go.
“The NSW Government is committed to addressing the scourge of domestic violence across the board, through bail reform, investment in social and affordable housing, early intervention, and much more.
“The Core and Cluster model is an important aspect of this, providing tailored support for victim-survivors, while providing a safe and healing space to go when escaping domestic and family violence.
“This Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge is so important to ending the cycle of violence, allowing women and children to rebuild their lives.”