Safety for Aboriginal women and children escaping violence

A new refuge for Aboriginal women and children fleeing domestic and family violence has opened in Gunnedah.

The official announcement coincides with Homelessness Week (August 5-11) which raises awareness of homelessness in Australia.

Known as Lilly Pilly Place, the new Gunnedah refuge is made up of five self-contained dwellings, including one three-bedroom unit and four two-bedroom units.

It is owned and run by Aboriginal community organisation, Gunida Gunyah, and will have on-site, specialist support services for residents such as counselling, legal assistance, and employment support.

The NSW government invested $5.68 million in capital and service delivery funding to Gunida Gunyah under the Core and Cluster program.

Gunida Gunyah is one of 39 refuges approved under the first two rounds of funding, which included a targeted EOI for Aboriginal-led projects.

Domestic and family violence is one of the main reasons Aboriginal people seek housing support so there is an urgent need for Aboriginal-led refuges. The Core and Cluster program aims to improve access to culturally safe services and supports for Aboriginal women and children.

The government is providing $426.6 million over four years for the Core and Cluster program across the state.

Once all refuges are operational, the Core and Cluster program will support an additional 2900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said Lilly Pilly Place is an important addition to the refuges available to Aboriginal women and children escaping violence.

“It is unique in providing safe housing and improved access to culturally appropriate support all in the same space so that Aboriginal women and children escaping domestic violence can get the help they need,” she said.

“If we are really going to close the gap and reduce the rates of domestic and family violence in Aboriginal communities, we must listen to community and provide culturally responsive supports that acknowledge the devastating impacts and accumulation of trauma across generations.”

A spokesperson for Minister Harrison also confirmed the Lilly Pilly Place would be available to non-indigenous women and children.

“Priority groups for the service are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, multicultural communities, people with disability, older people, LGBTQI people but it will also provide services to those most in need,” they said.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the refuge is one of five under the Core and Cluster program that is Aboriginal-led.

“It’s crucial that we continue to provide culturally safe services and supports for Aboriginal women and children escaping violence, as they may experience multiple and intersecting challenges impacting their experience of violence, and face additional barriers to seeking support and safety.

“This new refuge is one of five under the Core and Cluster program that are Aboriginal-led, that is supporting the safety of Aborignal women and children, so they can turn their mind to rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with the community.

“We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement Closing the Gap initiatives.”