First domestic violence refuge opens in Port Stephens

newy.com.au – Port Stephens’ first refuge for women and children escaping domestic and family violence has opened, providing six self-contained units and on-site specialist support at a $7.2 million facility.

Aunty Colleen’s Place was delivered by Hume Community Housing with NSW government funding through the Core and Cluster program. Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services will provide specialist support to residents.

The service’s manager, Sue Pollock, said the opening addressed a longstanding lack of safe accommodation for women and children in the community.

“Many women are forced to stay, or return, to violent relationships because they do not have anywhere to go,” Ms Pollock said.

The units range from one to three bedrooms, with one of the two-bedroom units designed to be accessible for residents with limited mobility. Each has its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, allowing families to live independently while accessing support at the refuge.

Residents will also have private outdoor space, including an area for pets. The grounds include sensory play and recreation areas for children and a fruit and vegetable garden, while a dedicated area provides space for tailored support.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the community had been “crying out for it for a very long time”.

The refuge is named in honour of Aunty Colleen, a Worimi woman who supported younger generations. Ms Pollock described her as an advocate for justice who was proud of her culture and passionate about passing on her knowledge and values.

The project is part of the NSW government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site support for women and children fleeing violence. Of the program’s 49 refuges, 36 are in communities outside metropolitan areas.

The government expects the program to support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors each year once all the refuges are complete.

Anyone in immediate danger should call triple zero (000). The NSW Domestic Violence Line provides free counselling and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 65 64 63.