Mission Australia celebrates opening of Walgett Women's Safe House

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Mission Australia welcomes the opening of the Walgett Women’s Safe House, a new refuge providing much-needed crisis accommodation and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence in the region.

The safe house is managed by Mission Australia and comprises five houses with an office on site. Residents will have access to on-site, wrap-around support from Mission Australia staff including counselling and legal assistance.

There is an urgent need for safe housing in Walgett, which has the highest rate of reported domestic violence assault incidents in NSW.

A priority group for the refuge is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who will have access to culturally appropriate supports and be able to maintain their connections to their community.

The local community was consulted on the project as it progressed, and community Elders will be invited to give each building an Aboriginal name.

Construction of the safe house was made possible thanks to a $5.25 million investment by the NSW government. 

Mission Australia Executive Ben Carblis said:

“As people struggle to access affordable housing across the region, refuges and women’s safe houses are vital beacons of safety and security.

“The combination of housing with the provision of onsite wraparound services at the Walgett Women’s Safe House ensures that women and their children can remain connected to their communities while being supported by Mission Australia staff as they start to rebuild their lives.” 

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence is one of the main causes of homelessness in women and children.

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing this issue, with $5.1 billion in our most recent budget to build safe, accessible and affordable housing, with half of them prioritised for people escaping abusive relationships.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Closing the Gap is a top priority of the NSW Government and strong, local and culturally sensitive services are so important to healing and recovery for women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence.

“This refuge will boost on-the-ground housing and specialist support services in Walgett and provide vital whole of community care for its residents.”

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

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and ensuring women and children can live safely and freely in their own communities.

“Walgett Women’s Safe House will provide a home for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, and a place where recovery is encouraged and supported, including holistic healing and wraparound support for Aboriginal women and families.”