New Central Coast refuge to support women and children fleeing violence

Monday, 12 May 2025 

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales for women and children fleeing domestic violence by funding new crisis accommodation in the Central Coast. 

The Government is investing $7 million into a new Core and Cluster refuge by CatholicCare, which will include up to 10 self-contained units, with at least one unit being wheelchair accessible. 

The site will also feature a central hub with communal spaces to promote healing for women and children, pet friendly spaces, and private meeting rooms for the delivery of on-site support services.

Other features of the purpose-built facility will include vegetable gardens, a children’s playground, a sensory garden and space for outdoor cultural activities.

The Core and Cluster model ensures privacy and independence for victims escaping domestic and family violence, with a central hub of services to support women and children recover and heal. 

CatholicCare has more than 20 years of experience in delivering homelessness and domestic violence services in the Central Coast and surrounding areas. 

It is committed to providing safe short-term accommodation while supporting people towards achieving more long-term, stable housing. 

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides women and children fleeing violence with crisis accommodation and on-site support services. More than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence will be supported through this program each year.

This is part of the government’s response to domestic and family violence that includes crisis response, justice reforms, earlier intervention and primary prevention. 

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We know that there is a need for more and better crisis accommodation for women and children fleeing violent situations and abusive relationships in NSW. 

“This latest refuge in the Central Coast will offer women and children escaping violence a safe and secure place to stay, while also providing on-site support to help them heal from trauma and get back on their feet.” 

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said: 

“It is critical that victim survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe place to go and I am pleased the NSW Government is funding a new refuge for women and children on the Central Coast.

“This refuge will be a much-needed place of safety for women and children in our region fleeing violent homes and abusive relationships.”

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

“Having a safe place to go is crucial for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. 

“The NSW Government is addressing this need by investing in Core and Cluster refuges such as this one on the Central Coast. This model not only provides a safe place for women to recover, but also ensures they are supported as they heal and rebuild their lives. 

“In the Central Coast and all across New South Wales, women and children deserve to live free from violence.” 

Tim Curran, Executive Director of CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay said:

“The Central Coast has one of the highest rates of domestic and family violence in the state, highlighting an urgent need for safe crisis accommodation. 

“To address this, the innovative Core and Cluster design offers brand-new independent units, moving away from traditional shared refuge spaces. This model allows women and children to retain their dignity and privacy during a difficult time. 

“Onsite support services are available, ensuring that living spaces remain private while offering assistance with rapid rehousing and recovery, helping families heal more quickly and effectively.”

Support:

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.