A new crisis refuge is being built in Tamworth to provide emergency accommodation to women and
children escaping domestic and family violence.

Developed by Housing Plus in partnership with Tamworth Family Support Services, the refuge is
supported by more than $7 million in capital funding under the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster
Program.

The refuge will be made up of eight new self-contained units, with onsite counselling, legal
assistance and education providers. It is expected to be completed at the end of November 2024.
The innovative Core and Cluster model empowers women to build independence in a safe space with
immediate access to support services.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said building
more refuge accommodation is a key aspect of domestic and family violence response across the
state.

“The Core and Cluster model ensures that women and children have access to secure, safe
accommodation, whether they need intensive support or not,” Minister Harrison said.

“Having crucial services onsite will remove barriers in their journey to recovery and independence. By working with local frontline services, we ensure the service is comfortable, tailored, and informed by decades of experience in the area.”

Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said the state-of-the-art refuge is part of the Government’s effort to ensure all women escaping violence can access safe and secure accommodation, regardless of where they live.

“We’re dedicated to making sure all women in regional NSW have access to high-quality refuge
accommodation.”

CEO Housing Plus Justin Cantelo said he was pleased to partner with Tamworth Family Support Services to ensure women escaping domestic violence had access to co-ordinated assistance. 

“This partnership combines our expertise in design and construction with their local knowledge of
service delivery in the Tamworth area,” Mr Cantelo said.

CEO Tamworth Family Support Service Belinda Kotris said the organisation was well-positioned to
deliver critical support to local women.

“Tamworth Family Support Service has a long track record of helping families in need and our staff
have the skills and experience required to help women on their healing journey,” Ms Kotris said.

The Core and Cluster program provides $426.6 million over four years to build new accommodation
facilities across NSW.

The program will support more than 2,900 women and children every year upon completion.