Women and children at risk of domestic violence in Gunnedah will be provided with a place of refuge for the first time, thanks to much-needed funding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The state government, through the Stronger Country Communities Fund, has announced $196,314 for the shelter project, which will be facilitated by Jobs Australia.
Jobs Australia chief executive officer Nigel Barlow said the group was "extremely grateful and very excited to hear the good news of the grant funding".
"The house will be a thoughtfully designed, comfortable and safe place for woman and children in what is a traumatic time," Mr Barlow said.
"The Gunnedah project is a model for similar facilities in other areas in the region that have been identified as needing similar support."
Read also:
The project will also involve the purchase and installation of a solar energy system to help ensure ongoing viability, a security system including CCTV and a duress system connected to a monitoring control room, as well as a large number of important amenities to make life more comfortable.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the shelter would "make a real difference" to the Gunnedah community.
"We have to continually look outside the square on how we protect some of our most vulnerable people," Mr Anderson said.
"There is a growing need for these support services and we can't have women and children sleeping in cars or couch-surfing.
"This grant is funding a grassroots project ... and we know how important it is to support our regional towns with new infrastructure and programs."
