THE HON KRISTY MCBAIN MP
MEMBER FOR EDEN-MONARO
The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring women and children experiencing family and domestic violence have a safe place to go.
The Commonwealth Government is delivering $1.2 million to Southern Cross Housing to support the construction of six, self-contained emergency accommodation units in Cooma.
Delivered under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program, this funding builds on Southern Cross Housing’s $1.1 million investment in this project, which is also supporting construction of an onsite meeting and common room for support services.
Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain joined Southern Cross Housing Chief Executive Officer, Alex Pontello on Thursday to inspect the progress of construction – which is well underway, and set to be finalised by the end of next month.
The units are expected to be available for occupancy by the end of May – providing women and children in Cooma fleeing family and domestic violence with more options to access safe accommodation.
The Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program provides a capital investment to fund the building, renovation or purchase of emergency accommodation to support women and children in circumstances, where staying safely at home is not possible.
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to improving accessibility and availability of emergency accommodation for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, and has delivered an additional $100 million for the Safe Places program.
Nineteen new projects will be funded to deliver around 720 new safe places across Australia over the next three years.
Nationally, around 4,200 women and children are already supported by Safe Places sites each year, along with case management and additional supports while accessing emergency accommodation.
For more information on the Safe Places program, visit: Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program | Department of Social Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
- Available 24/7: call, text, or online chat
- Mon-Fri, 9am-midnight AEST (except national public holidays): video call (no appointment needed)
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain MP:
“Having a safe place to go can be the difference between leaving a violent relationship or staying, which is why I’m incredibly proud $1.2 million in federal funding is supporting Southern Cross Housing deliver six emergency accommodation units in Cooma.
“This accommodation will not only support women and children fleeing domestic violence access a safe place when they need it most, it will also connect them with specialised services and supports that meet their needs.
“Our Government has made ending violence against women and children a national priority, with a record investment of $4 billion for women’s safety initiatives and $3.9 billion for legal services – this means more emergency housing, greater support for legal assistance, and more early-intervention programs.”
Quotes attributable to Southern Cross Housing Chief Executive Officer, Alex Pontello:
“Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children across Australia, which is why we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Albanese Government to deliver this new emergency accommodation in Cooma.
“We’re proud to be the largest Community Housing Provider in Southern East NSW, stretching from Wollongong to Eden across to Cooma and Jindabyne – and we welcome this $1.2 million from the Federal Government, because it means we can offer the Cooma community more support.”
ENDS
