Griffith is poised to significantly bolster its support for women and families escaping violence with the upcoming construction of a new refuge named in honor of Yvonne Wilson, a dedicated advocate for the homeless.

The facility, aptly named ‘Yvonne’s Place’, will be built on Kokoora Street by the social service provider Linking Communities Network, where Ms. Wilson currently serves as CEO.

This development will effectively double the capacity of the existing refuge located next door, which will continue its vital operations.

The driving force behind Linking Communities Network is a powerful vision, to ensure all individuals have access to safe and secure housing, freedom from violence, and the opportunity to reach their full potential, as stated by Ms. Wilson.

Her commitment to the sector spans over four decades, and she is widely recognized for her exceptional dedication to assisting those in need.

While Ms. Wilson was celebrating a well-deserved holiday and unable to attend the sod turning event on Wednesday, April 9, the significance of this project speaks volumes about her enduring impact.

The construction of this crucial refuge is made possible through a substantial $6.4 million investment from the NSW Government.

The thoughtful building design comes from Troy Patten and his business, Miestudio.

A particularly noteworthy feature of Yvonne’s Place is its pet-friendly policy, acknowledging the strong bonds women have with their animals and removing a significant barrier that often prevents them from seeking safety.

Housing Minister Rose Jackson emphasized the critical need for such facilities, stating that women fleeing violent situations often face extremely limited housing options, especially if they have children or pets.

Tragically, many women become homeless or are forced to return to dangerous environments due to the lack of suitable alternative accommodation.

The “core and cluster” model adopted for Yvonne’s Place in Griffith is designed to promote independent living by providing self-contained accommodation units (‘clusters’) alongside a central ‘core’ offering vital support services.

These services will include access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

Murray MP Helen Dalton expressed her delight that this will be the first core and cluster refuge completed in Griffith, highlighting the amazing increase in capacity it will bring.

Madeline Rossiter, the facility manager, underscored the refuge’s accessibility, noting that their doors are always open to women and families in need.

They accept self-referrals via phone call or in person, operating 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

However, Ms. Rossiter also highlighted a significant challenge: securing permanent accommodation for these women in Griffith, where the rental vacancy rate is less than one per cent.

The severe rental crisis means that finding affordable private rentals is exceedingly difficult, forcing the refuge to navigate a landscape with very few available options.

Despite these challenges, the development of Yvonne’s Place represents a significant step forward in providing immediate safety and crucial support for vulnerable individuals in the Griffith community.

Expected to be completed by 2026, this new refuge promises to be a beacon of hope, enabling more women and children in the community to rebuild their lives free from abuse and violence.