A new $6.2 million refuge for women and children escaping domestic and family violence has opened, marking a significant boost to crisis accommodation and support services across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
Named Gunya and operated by local organisation SASSI, the purpose-built facility includes eight self-contained accommodation units, a dedicated support hub, accessible facilities, a children’s play area and pet-friendly outdoor spaces.
The refuge has been delivered under the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program and will provide women and children with not only a safe place to stay, but access to specialist support services to help them recover, rebuild and move forward. The facility has been designed to meet the diverse needs of families, including residents with mobility challenges.
Government ministers and SASSI representatives say the project is an important step in strengthening support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, while helping ensure women and children can access safety and support close to home when they need it most.
