A new refuge for Aboriginal women and children fleeing domestic and family violence has opened in Gunnedah, NSW.
Known as Lilly Pilly Place, the refuge is made up of five self-contained dwellings including one three-bedroom unit and four two-bedroom units.
It is owned and run by Gunida Gunyah, an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation, and will have on-site, specialist support services for residents such as counselling, legal assistance, and employment support.
Preventing and eliminating domestic and family violence is a priority for the NSW Government.
The NSW Government has invested $5.68M in capital and service delivery funding for the Gunida Gunyah refuge to 30 June 2026 under the Core and Cluster program.
Gunida Gunyah was one of 39 refuges approved under the first two rounds of funding, which included a targeted EOI for Aboriginal-led projects.
In Gunnedah, the rate of domestic violence assault is twice the state average.
There is also an urgent need for Aboriginal-led refuges as domestic and family violence is one of the main reasons Aboriginal people seek housing support.
The third and final round of Core and Cluster funding also included a targeted procurement process for Aboriginal-led refuges.
Once all refuges are operational, the Core and Cluster program will support more than 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“We know that First Nations women are six times more likely to be victims of homicide due to domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women, and they are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of the domestic violence.
“The Core and Cluster program aims to provide a safe home and improve access to culturally safe support for Aboriginal women and children escaping domestic violence.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“The theme for Homelessness Week is ‘Homelessness Action Now’ and the NSW Government is committed to driving homelessness numbers down, especially for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.
“No woman should have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent relationship.
“This refuge will ensure that First Nations women and children can enjoy their right to live in safety, and will have access to the support they need after experiencing family and domestic violence.”