NSW Government Begins $5 Million Hornsby Refuge Development
Construction has begun on a new $5 million refuge in Hornsby, New South Wales, with the state government funding the development to expand crisis accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
The project is being developed by Link Wentworth and will comprise four self-contained accommodation units alongside a dedicated support facility. The development is designed to provide residents with private living spaces while ensuring access to essential services during their recovery.
Each unit will include a kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as private outdoor space and an area for pets. At least one unit will be wheelchair accessible, while shared areas will be designed to accommodate people with restricted mobility.
The development will also feature a central support facility, known as a core, with office space and two consulting rooms. These rooms can be combined to create a larger conference space. Shared lounge, dining and kitchen facilities will also form part of the building.
Hornsby refuge to include specialist support services
Specialist domestic and family violence support will be provided onsite by Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Women’s Shelter, which is part of the Women’s Community Shelters Network.
Residents will have access to services including counselling, legal assistance, education and employment support. Dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas will also be provided for children, allowing families to spend time together within the facility.
The project marks an expansion of the existing shelter's services. Women’s Community Shelters Interim CEO Sue Cripps said the new facility would allow Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Women’s Shelter to accommodate women with children for the first time.
Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said the development reflected the organisation's commitment to providing safe and secure housing for women experiencing domestic and family violence.
Part of wider NSW housing investment
The Hornsby refuge forms part of the NSW Government's $426.6 million Core and Cluster program, which aims to expand crisis accommodation and provide specialist support services onsite.
Once all 49 planned refuges under the program are completed, the initiative is expected to support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.
The state government is also investing $6.6 billion in social and affordable housing, with at least half of the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors. A further $130 million has been allocated for additional crisis accommodation beds.
