A new refuge for Aboriginal women and children fleeing domestic and family violence in outer South Western Sydney is currently in development in Wollondilly.
While funding to the tune of more than $9.4 million is being provided by the State Government, the construction of the refuge will be managed by Airds based Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation.
The government says the refuge will be designed with a focus on the safety and security of victim-survivors of domestic violence and will be a place where women and children can recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
The Wollondilly refuge is part of the government’s Core and Cluster program and will provide up to 10 self-contained units.
Victim-survivors will also have on-site access to culturally safe and trauma-informed support services, ranging from individual counselling to legal assistance, family therapy to employment services.
The refuge is expected to be completed in 2026.
Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation is a community housing provider with over 40 years of experience in providing social housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The organisation also offers a broad range of programs and supports for Aboriginal people, families, and communities in the South Western Sydney region, including cultural family programs, early learning and health services.
This morning, the minister for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault Jodie Harrison joined Wollondilly’s independent MP Judy Hannan at Tharawal in Airds to announce details of the refuge project.
“We understand the urgent need to provide crisis accommodation for women and children fleeing violent homes and abusive relationships, particularly in regional, remote and rural NSW,’’ Ms Harrison said.
“That’s why we’re committed to building 49 new refuges for domestic violence victim-survivors, and their children and pets, by the end of 2026.
“This site in Wollondilly in Sydney’s south-west, will eventually be transformed into homes for women and children who make the brave decision to escape violence, and a safe place to access culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support to rebuild their lives.”
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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.
