Lilly Pilly Place: A refuge for women, children

In Gunnedah, a quiet but powerful service is changing lives. Lilly Pilly Place, a purpose-built refuge operated by Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation, provides safety, stability, and healing for women and children escaping domestic, family, and sexual violence.

Designed as a core-and-cluster model, the refuge offers five private, self-contained units alongside shared spaces for connection and support. Its setting feels more like a private bush retreat than a crisis service, with natural surrounds and thoughtful touches such as a massage chair and hairdressing station in the wellbeing area – spaces designed to restore dignity and promote self-care during times of upheaval.

Message from the CEO, Jane Bender:

“Lilly Pilly Place is more than a refuge – it’s a safe and healing space where women and children can begin to rebuild their lives after domestic, family, and sexual violence,” she said.

“Designed as a private bush retreat with spaces for self-care and wellbeing, it offers safety, dignity, and hope at a critical time.”

A common misconception is that because Lilly Pilly Place is Aboriginal-led, it is only for Aboriginal women. This is not the case. The refuge is inclusive and open to all women, regardless of background or culture, with a diverse staff team providing safe and supportive care.

Stephanie Cameron, chairperson of Gunida Gunyah, adds:

“It’s a vital community asset, but it needs the community behind it,” she said.

“Support can be as simple as sharing information, so women know help exists, or by donating time, skills, meals, or clothing.

“Too often, services like Lilly Pilly Place go unseen. I encourage our leaders, businesses, and community members to stand with us, champion this work, and see firsthand the difference being made for local women and children.”

Lilly Pilly Place is not just accommodation – it’s a foundation for recovery. Women and children are supported by specialist staff who walk alongside them, helping them access services, make plans, and take steps towards independence.

Domestic, family, and sexual violence affects women from all walks of life. By supporting Lilly Pilly Place, the Gunnedah community can ensure women and children know they are not alone – and that safety, dignity, and hope are always within reach.

For more information, referrals, or to find out how you can help, visit www.lillypillyplace.org or call 02 6741 9100.