New Shoalhaven refuge opens for women and children fleeing violence

Mudgingaal Balaang (meaning 'spirit protector') comprises five self-contained crisis accommodation units for women and children leaving violence.

The NSW Government has invested $6.1 million in this new Core and Cluster refuge, which will be delivered by Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation.

It includes a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, including one wheelchair-accessible dwelling. Each unit is fully self-contained, featuring a kitchen, bathroom, living and dining areas, and a private terrace to support residents' privacy, safety and independence during their stay.

Waminda will also provide culturally appropriate, specialist domestic and family violence support services onsite, ensuring women and children receive trauma-informed care tailored to their needs.

This new refuge is part of the NSW Government's $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to provide crisis accommodation and on-site specialist support services for women and children fleeing violent situations.

Once complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

This initiative also contributes to the NSW Government's broader response to domestic and family violence, including a historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors.

Mudgingaal Balaang is one of 36 of the 49 Core and Cluster refuges operating in regional locations across New South Wales.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

"This is a really important initiative that will provide critical support and security to women and children in need.

"This is about making sure that victim-survivors of domestic and family violence across NSW and in the regions have access to the right support services.

"I'm proud to see this facility being delivered in the South Coast, and in partnership with Waminda - an organisation that tirelessly supports those who need it most."

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

"We are on a mission to ensure that no woman or child in New South Wales is forced to stay in an unsafe situation because they have nowhere else to go and this new refuge on the South Coast is just the latest step.

"By delivering safe accommodation with specialist on-site support, we are giving victim-survivors the foundation they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.

"This facility, combined with our historic $6.6 billion investment in social housing, proves that we are putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to protecting victim-survivors."

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

"The NSW Government is proud to partner with Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation to build this Core and Cluster refuge for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

"The new facility - Mudgingaal Balaang - has a range of purpose-built and accessible accommodation types that will be a safe haven for people who are at their most vulnerable.

"It's great to be part of a Government that is continuing to expand the Core and Cluster program, one of the ways we are investing in efforts to meet Closing The Gap targets such as halving the rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities over the next five years."

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

"The NSW Government is working hard to ensure victim-survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe place to go to and receive appropriate support when escaping violence, no matter their postcode.

"We know that victim-survivors in regional New South Wales can face different barriers to accessing services and we are working to close that gap.

"Mudgingaal Balaang - a new crisis accommodation in the Shoalhaven - is a step towards that, providing culturally safe and appropriate support to Aboriginal women and children, helping them heal and recover.

"Thank you to Waminda for delivering this refuge and for your ongoing work supporting those who need it most."

Member for the South Coast Liza Butler MP said:

"Mudgingaal Balaang will provide a secure and private place for women and children on the South Coast to take the first steps toward safety and recovery.

"This refuge is about more than a roof over someone's head. It's about providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support so women and children can heal and move forward.

"We're proud to partner with Waminda, whose deep connection to community and expertise in Aboriginal women's health will ensure families receive the care and support they need."

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney MP said:

"The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting secure and culturally safe services for those leaving family violence situations.

"This is a vital investment for our community ensures that support and help is right there for women and children in our region.

Lisa Wellington, Chief Executive, Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation said:

"This new women and children's refuge will provide critical, culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, homelessness, or the risk of homelessness."

Support:

For information on Men's Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

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.