The NSW Government, in partnership with Women’s Community Shelters, have opened the first women’s refuge built using innovative modular construction methods, three and a half months after works commenced onsite. 

This project shows that modular construction provides value-for-money and faster delivery than traditional construction projects.

Delivered by Women’s Community Shelters and its network member Revesby Women’s Shelter, Biyani House is now ready to provide safe housing for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence in the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA.

The NSW Government invested $2.29 million into this new Core and Cluster refuge, which comprises four self-contained studio units, and a refurbished house containing a two-bedroom unit and a central hub where wraparound domestic and family violence support services will be delivered.

The four self-contained studio units were built off-site in a controlled environment and assembled on-site in one day to complete the cluster of accommodation.

The refuge also includes a communal area, gardens, child-safe play area and spaces for group activities.

There is also a further private accommodation space inside the main building, enabling the service to assist six women at any given time.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides victim-survivors with safe and secure accommodation with on-site access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

This important initiative will deliver 49 refuges to house and support more than an additional 2,900 women and children across the state each year.

Additionally, the NSW Government will deliver an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence. 

Recently, the government announced another $130 million to add more beds for people experiencing homelessness, under the new Building Crisis Housing Plan. Funding will be used to renew and expand crisis accommodation properties to better support those experiencing homelessness, including victims of domestic and family violence.

Providing safe housing for victim-survivors continues to be a critical part of the work the Minns Labor Government is doing to address domestic and family violence in the state. It is also part of a wider effort that includes boosting and supporting our frontline services, primary prevention and early intervention and tougher laws to hold perpetrators to account.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, “This is another fantastic example of how the Minns Labor Government is using modular to turbocharge construction of critical housing.

“Six homes, built within three and a half months, to support vulnerable women and children get a fresh start when they need it most.

“We are embracing innovation, cutting through red tape, and using modern methods of construction to build a better future right here in New South Wales.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “It is incredible to see how fast this refuge has taken shape. Just in August, we saw the modular units delivered onsite, and now we have a fully operational refuge. 

“This innovative approach, which is being used in several Core and Cluster projects across New South Wales, is evidence of our commitment to work in partnership with community organisations to provide safe housing for victim-survivors, as well as important supports so they can recover and rebuild their lives.

“The NSW Government is working hard to build a safer state for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, and we are investing in important housing measures, so they have a safe place to go when they need it most.”

Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO Women’s Community Shelters, said, “At Women’s Community Shelters we see an ever-increasing number of women and children seeking assistance from our shelters across Greater Sydney, and the primary reason they need help is to leave domestic and family violence. Our network receives double the number of requests for help for every woman and family we can accommodate, so the need to do more, quickly, sustainably and at a high level of quality, is ever-present.

“This modular response shows we can accelerate the provision safe shelters and housing across the State. These modules are not only quick and efficient to build, but they are beautiful too.  

“We applaud the NSW Government for funding this innovative solution and thank the wonderful Biyani House – Revesby Women’s Shelter team, along with our dedicated community partners SHAPE Australia, DAS Studio, DT Infrastructure, Revesby Worker’s Club and Temple & Webster who have gone above and beyond to make this project possible.

“We will continue working hard to bring together government, the private sector, philanthropy and community for more ground-breaking projects like this, to help build an Australia where women and children can live free from abuse, and flourish.”

Support:

• For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491. 
• If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.