newy.com.au – Work has begun on a $5.9 million refuge in Lake Macquarie to provide crisis accommodation and specialist support for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
The project is being delivered by Housing Plus, with local organisation Jenny’s Place Inc to provide domestic and family violence support services to victim-survivors once the refuge opens.
The Lake Macquarie facility will include nine self-contained units, made up of studios and one, two and three-bedroom units to cater for individuals and families. At least one unit will be fully wheelchair accessible, while shared areas will also be designed for residents with limited mobility.
Each unit will have its own kitchen, bathroom, laundry, private outdoor space and pet-friendly areas, with the design intended to provide a secure environment for women and children recovering from violence.
The investment is part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program, which is expanding crisis accommodation while providing on-site specialist support. The government says the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors each year once all 49 new refuges are complete.
Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson said the Lake Macquarie refuge was part of a broader push to increase crisis accommodation across NSW.
“We are on a mission to make sure that when someone is in crisis and they reach out for help, there’s a door open, a bed ready, and the support they need. This new refuge in Lake Macquarie is just the latest example in our efforts to expand crisis accommodation,” Ms Jackson said.
“It will be more than just a place to sleep – it will be the chance at a fresh start, with the specialist support that victim-survivors really need to get back on their feet.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the refuge would help women and children find safety and stability.
“Every new refuge built is a step forward in making NSW a safer place for families escaping violence,” Ms Harrison said.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the facility would mean women and children in Lake Macquarie did not have to leave the area to find safety.
“Behind every number is a woman or a child who has had to make an impossible decision to leave. This refuge means they’ll have somewhere safe to land here in Lake Macquarie instead of somewhere far away,” Ms Catley said.
Independent Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said the core and cluster model would provide a safe community environment for families during a time of distress and trauma.
“Providing safe homes for women and children fleeing domestic violence is the first step toward the rebuilding of lives, and this facility will serve survivors of domestic violence for generations and give them a chance to heal with the best supports in place,” Mr Piper said.
Interim Housing Plus Group chief executive Bryan Mason said breaking ground on the accommodation was a significant milestone for the organisation and the Lake Macquarie community.
“By combining our extensive expertise in Core and Cluster design and construction to support women and children, together with Jenny’s Place who have deep local knowledge and service delivery experience, we have formed a truly influential partnership,” Mr Mason said.
“Together, we look forward to welcoming the community into this vital facility in 2027.”
The NSW Government says the refuge forms part of a broader response to domestic and family violence, including investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new homes prioritised for victim-survivors, and additional funding for crisis beds.
Anyone in immediate danger should call police on Triple Zero. Confidential advice, support and referrals are available through 1800 RESPECT, 13 YARN, the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63, and the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
