GUNNEDAH women and children at risk of domestic violence will finally have a safe and supportive place to escape to at short notice.
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Allawah Cottage - Gunnedah's new domestic violence refuge - will open this year with construction set to go ahead in February.
The first stage will be laying the concrete slab which is scheduled for February 14 and will be celebrated with a small commencement gathering.
Numerous fundraising initiatives are planned over the next couple of months to help get the house up and running.
The project has been supported by Jobs Australia and will provide women, children and their pets with short-term accommodation and assistance to get back on their feet through the Salvation Army Doorways Program.
When Jobs Australia's Tracey Reid first identified there was a strong need to help women in the region, she had no idea the push would gain such traction.
"It's pretty exciting," she said. "It's actually a little bit overwhelming that it's all happening when you've worked hard for something for so long and all of a sudden it happens."
The response from the local community has been enormous, with local businesses and individuals coming on board to donate services or furniture.
Coonabarabran High School students even came together to organise a fundraiser, donating a new fridge, toaster and sandwich maker.
In fact the only appliance that needs to be purchased is a new washing machine, with the Allawah Cottage committee hoping to raise funds for that at a wine and cheese night in February.
The charity event will be held on Saturday, February 20 from 6pm and people can register their interest on Eventbrite.
A black-tie charity ball at Gunnedah Town Hall is also planned for June 5, with funds raised from the wine and cheese night to go towards costs associated with the ball.
Plans for that are currently being finalised, with attendance to be capped at around 200.
A plant sale and barbecue will also be held in March at the grounds at Sunburnt Treasures.
Numerous donations have enabled the committee to purchase some new items for Allawah Cottage too; including lounges and beds.