Work has commenced on a new refuge in Lake Macquarie to provide women and children escaping domestic and family violence with safety and support under the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program.

The Minns Labor Government has invested $5.9 million into the project which is being delivered by Housing Plus with local organisation, Jenny’s Place Inc, providing specialist domestic and family violence support services to victim-survivors.

The refuge will consist of nine self-contained units designed to meet the needs of a range of households. The mix of studios and one, two and three bedroom units will allow flexibility for individuals and families, while at least one unit will be fully wheelchair accessible.

Each unit will include its own kitchen, bathroom, laundry, private outdoor space and pet-friendly areas, creating a secure and supportive environment for recovery. Shared spaces will be fully accessible for residents with limited mobility.

The investment forms part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program, which is expanding crisis accommodation and providing on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

Once all 49 new refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

The Minns Government is building a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, including a historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors and an additional $130 million for new crisis beds.

While we continue to support victim-survivors to heal and recover and strengthen protections, we are also working to hold perpetrators to account and stop the violence before it starts.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We are on a mission to make sure that when someone is in crisis and they reach out for help, there’s a door open, a bed ready, and the support they need. This new refuge in Lake Macquarie is just the latest example in our efforts to expand crisis accommodation.

“It will be more than just a place to sleep – it will be the chance at a fresh start, with the specialist support that victim-survivors really need to get back on their feet.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“This new refuge in Lake Macquarie will play a vital role in helping women and children find safety, stability and a pathway to independence.

"It will be more than just a safe place to stay, it will give women and children the support and stability they need to rebuild their lives.

“Every new refuge built is a step forward in making NSW a safer place for families escaping violence."

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“Behind every number is a woman or a child who has had to make an impossible decision to leave. This refuge means they’ll have somewhere safe to land here in Lake Macquarie instead of somewhere far away.

“I’ve spoken to women in our community who’ve had to choose between staying in a dangerous situation or facing homelessness. This investment is about changing that.

“I want our community to be the kind of place where people look out for each other and this refuge is part of that. Violence has no place here and support will be there when it’s needed most.”

Independent Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said:

“The core and cluster model is a fantastic way to bring families into a caring and safe community environment during a time of great distress and trauma, I am proud to see Lake Macquarie looking after victims of domestic violence.

“Providing safe homes for women and children fleeing domestic violence is the first step toward the rebuilding of lives, and this facility will serve survivors of domestic violence for generations and give them a chance to heal with the best supports in place.

“I commend the partnership of Housing Plus and Jenny’s Place to deliver this crisis accommodation and support service in Lake Macquarie.”

Interim CEO of Housing Plus Group Bryan Mason said:

“Breaking ground on this state-of-the art emergency accommodation is a significant and exciting milestone for both our organisation and the Lake Macquarie community.

“By combining our extensive expertise in Core and Cluster design and construction to support women and children, together with Jenny’s Place who have deep local knowledge and service delivery experience, we have formed a truly influential partnership.

“Together, we look forward to welcoming the community into this vital facility in 2027.”