Posted 28th August
Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb, Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley and Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams MP
Port Macquarie’s new Core and Cluster refuge, named Djiyaganbaa meaning Sister Place in local Gathang language, will soon open its doors for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Preventing and eliminating domestic and family violence is a priority for the NSW Government. The government is committed to providing safe accommodation and appropriate wraparound support for women and children escaping domestic violence. This includes $426.6 million over four years for the Core and Cluster program.
Djiyaganbaa is run by Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, which has been providing crisis accommodation for local women and children in Port Macquarie for 44 years.
The new refuge is made up of eight pet-friendly self-contained two-bedroom units, known as the Cluster, and will have on-site, specialist support services for residents, known as the Core.
Residents will have access to a large communal space for socialising and group programs, a BBQ area, vegetable gardens and a Yarning Circle for cultural activities.
Djiyaganbaa is one of 39 refuges approved under the first two rounds of Core and Cluster funding. Once all refuges are operational, the Core and Cluster program will support an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.
Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb said: “The opportunity for women and children to live in safe and secure self-contained accommodation offers privacy, independence and empowerment as they take their first steps towards building a life free from violence.
“Our specialist domestic and family violence team and service provider partner organisations will work on-site with women to provide safety planning, counselling, legal support, pathways to education and employment, and healing and recovery programs.
“This refuge is greatly needed for our community, providing a safe, supported place to stay for women leaving a violent situation while they work towards accessing affordable long-term accommodation.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said: “Family and domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness.
“The NSW Government is supporting women and children leaving domestic and family violence and making sure they have access to the services they need, particularly in regional areas.
“This new Core and Cluster in Port Macquarie delivers more accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence and addresses a crucial need in the region to provide a safe space and much-needed specialist wraparound support for its residents.”
State Manager of the Port Macquarie Core and Cluster refuge community housing provider, Community Housing Limited, Megan Davidson said: “Djiyaganbaa is a true testament to the power of collaboration.
“CHL played a vital role in securing the funding for this important initiative, creating safe and nurturing spaces where women and children escaping domestic violence can find support to rebuild their lives.
“As a primary community housing provider on the mid north coast, we are also committed to working closely with these women in providing a pathway from crisis accommodation to stable and permanent long term housing options.”
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