More than 30 women and children fleeing abusive relationships each year will benefit from the expansion of The Orchard in Bathurst, with three new emergency refuge units opening today.
The first five units at The Orchard, Bathurst were developed and built by Housing Plus and opened in January 2023, with service delivery funded by the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program.
Since then, it has provided accommodation for over 100 women and children escaping violent and unsafe homes.
An additional $1.95 million under the Core and Cluster program has enabled an additional three units to be built on the site.
The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.
Plus Community, the community service arm of Housing Plus, will deliver tailored, on-site support to help victim-survivors rebuild their lives and heal from trauma.
The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence at all stages, including through primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.
Ensuring women and children have access to safe housing and support when they leave violence is critical to helping them rebuild their lives.
The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program to support an additional 2,900 women and children fleeing domestic and family violence across the state each year.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“No woman should have to choose between staying in an abusive relationship or becoming homeless.
“This expanded refuge will help more domestic and family violence victim-survivors in the Bathurst region feel safe and supported as they leave violent situations and rebuild their lives.
“Under the Core and Cluster program, the NSW Government has committed to building 49 new refuges across the state by 2026, helping to ensure that all women and children fleeing violence can find a safe place to call home.”
“Securing safe housing remains a critical hurdle to overcoming domestic and family violence,” said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison.
“The NSW Government is supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence by making sure they have access to housing and support services, particularly in regional areas like Bathurst.
“The Core and Cluster model not only provides safe and secure accommodation, but also tailored support on-site to help victim-survivors recover.
“Emergency refuges like The Orchard are crucial in helping women and children take their first step towards escaping violence, regaining their confidence, and rebuilding their lives in their community.”
“The funding for and opening of three new emergency refuge units at The Orchard today is welcome support for women and children fleeing abusive relationships in my duty electorate of Bathurst,” Labor spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence MLC.
“I don’t want a single person to be harmed by domestic and family violence, but until we can remove this scourge from our society, it is crucial we have support in place for victims,” Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst said.
“These new refuges will provide accommodation and wrap-around support for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. This is a safe and secure place for them to escape to whilst they reset their lives.” Said Mr Toole.
“The need for safe, supportive housing has never been more urgent,’ said Justin Cantelo, CEO of Housing Plus and Plus Community.
“We are proud to play a part in helping women and children find safety and start the journey towards healing in the aftermath of domestic violence.”
“The addition of these three units means more women and children will have the chance to escape violence and find refuge in a place where they feel safe and supported,“ said Jenna Hattersley, Domestic Violence Services Manager at Plus Community.
“Every day, we see the difference that safe housing can make in helping people rebuild their confidence and their lives.” said Ms Hattersley.
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.
Pictured: Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, Bathurst Councillor Jac Underwood and Member for Calare Andrew Gee with Housing Plus staff in new accommodation.
