$390,000 will fund new emergency accommodation in north-east Victoria for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Wodonga-based Nationals Senate Leader and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said the funding for Beyond Housing, in partnership with the Centre Against Violence in Indi, is from the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $60 million Safe Places initiative.
“It will help build two two-bedroom and one one-bedroom apartments in north-east Victoria providing a safe haven for families in need,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This will not only ensure women and children have somewhere safe to sleep but will also provide access to specialist family and domestic violence services to help create real and lasting change in their lives.
“This additional accommodation will help more local families in need. It is one of 40 projects would be funded nationally, supporting about 6000 women and children each year.”
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said this was an important investment to improve access to suitable accommodation for women and their children.
“The first priority of the government is to keep Australians safe and secure but, sadly, we know that home is not safe for many women and children.”
Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services Luke Howarth said, tragically, family and domestic violence was a leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
“Importantly about half of these places will be remote and regional communities supporting those who have had limited safe housing options.
“The government also favoured projects which provide longer term, self-contained emergency accommodation which will give women and their children increased stability.”
The $60 million Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program forms part of government’s $340 million investment in the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022. It’s in addition to the $150 million COVID-19 response package.
For more information on the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation grants, visit the Community Grants Hub.