Work commences on a new refuge in Port Stephens

Women and children escaping domestic violence will soon have a safe home to heal, recover and rebuild, as work commences on a new refuge in Port Stephens.

The refuge – the first of its kind in the Port Stephens local government area – will provide six units so that at any given time more than twelve women and children can access safe and secure housing.

The joint venture, built by Hume Community Housing (Hume Housing) and delivered by Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (PSFaNS), will provide wrap-around services to assist women and children live a life free from violence.

The project, made possible by the $7.2 million investment by the NSW Government under the Core and Cluster program, promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation around a central ‘core’ facility providing support including access to services including counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

Brad Braithwaite, CEO of Hume Community Housing said the partnership between PSFaNS, Hume Housing and the NSW Government will ensure that women and children in Port Stephens experiencing domestic and family violence can find a safe home and the supports they need.

“Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children. If we are going to address domestic violence we must invest in housing, Mr Braithwaite said.

“Access to safe housing should never be the reason why a woman or child stays in a violent, abusive home. Hume is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and PSFaNS to deliver and asset manage this independent living refuge and core facility.”

“At Hume we believe everyone should have access to a safe, secure and affordable home.”

Tailored support services will be delivered by PSFaNS to help victim-survivors rebuild their lives and heal from trauma. PSFaNS has 35 years of experience providing support to people fleeing abusive relationships including staying home leaving violence, specialist homeless program, Aboriginal programs, financial counselling, emergency relief, and legal support as well as child and family casework.

“Women and children in our community have suffered the immense and unjust hardship of not ever having access to a local refuge,” Sue Pollock Manager of PSFaNS said.

“Alongside of this, for many years, they have been advocating so that traumatised women and children do not need to uproot their entire lives and support systems – schools, jobs, friends and family, everything they know – and leave the area for their safety.”

“In particular, the Worimi community have strongly advocated and supported this process. Women in Karuah Aboriginal community have been working hard designing and sewing soft furnishings and outdoor planting ready for the refuge completion so women and children entering into a culturally safe place.”

The Port Stephens refuge is earmarked to be operational by early 2026.