New Core and Cluster refuge to be built in Maitland

Wednesday 27 September 2023

A new domestic violence refuge is being developed in Maitland under the innovative Core and Cluster model, providing additional emergency accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

The refuge in Maitland, developed by Housing Plus, is supported by more than $6.4 million in capital funding under Tranche 2 of the Core and Cluster program, with Carrie’s Place providing the on-site support services.

Depending on construction timelines, the site is anticipated to come online by December 2023. Once complete, it will comprise 8 units, providing women and children with access to independent living, as well as support services such as counselling, legal assistance, education and employment support.

This follows an announcement early this week of another women’s refuge being developed in Lake Macquarie with Housing Plus in partnership with Jenny’s Place.

Minister for Housing and Homeless Rose Jackson said this new refuge will help address homelessness caused by domestic and family violence.

“The locations of these refuges have been targeted to areas of high unmet demand for crisis accommodation, particuarly in regional and rural areas, to ensure women and children escaping domestic and family violence can access the services they need,” Minister Jackson said.

“The recent Budget shows the government’s commitment to strengthening our response to homeslessness when it is the result of domestic and family violence, with more than $16 million in funding for Temporary Accommodation and Specialist Homelessness Services.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said domestic and family violence is a serious and devastating crime, and requires a whole of community response.

“The government is committed to not only supporting women and children leaving domestic violence but also stopping the cycle of violence,” Minister Harrison said.

“Refuges and emergency accommodation are the first step in helping women and children escape violence. We are also making sure they receive the support services they need, when they need it, to build an independent future.

“We’re also continuing to invest in prevention and work with community partners to ensure the needs of victim-survivors are being heard and addressed.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said the new refuge will provide the immediate support that many women and children escaping violence need.

“Often women don’t leave a violent relationship because they have no where to go, or they are worried about not being able to take their children or pets with them,” Minister Aitchison said.

“This new model of emergency accommodation makes sure women and families in the Maitland area can escape from violence – knowing they have somewhere safe to go, with the support they need to get back on their feet.”

Housing Plus CEO Justin Cantelo said Housing Plus was pleased to partner with Carrie’s Place, which has more than 40 years of experience helping women and children in Maitland.

“Our partnership with Carrie's Place combines our knowledge and expertise of design and construction with their local experience in service delivery. The best of both is what we hope will be provided in Maitland,” Mr Cantelo said.

Carrie’s Place CEO Jayne Clowes added: “This is so exciting on many levels - purpose built emergency accommodation for women and children, to better meet their support needs and to tailor services to giving them the best opportunity for trauma recovery, and a great partnership with Housing Plus in Maitland."

The Core and Cluster program will provide $426.6 million over four years to build refuges across NSW. Once online, they will support more than 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence.