06.08.25
Haven Home Safe today welcomed key development partners to celebrate a significant milestone in a critical new housing project in regional Victoria—the preparation for the slab pour that will soon support three purpose-built townhouses for victim survivors of family and domestic violence.
The homes are being delivered in partnership with local organisations Annie North and the Centre for Non-Violence and will provide safe, secure housing options for women and children escaping violence.
Speaking at the event, Haven Home Safe CEO Trudi Ray said the project couldn’t come at a more important time.
“I am thrilled to welcome so many of our development partners here today to mark this important step in the build. As we recognise Homelessness Week, it’s important to reflect that in 2023–24, around two in five clients of specialist homelessness services in Australia were victim survivors of family and domestic violence. That figure is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for secure, trauma-informed housing.”
The three-bedroom homes are being built by local construction partner Burbank Homes and are designed with sustainability, safety and privacy in mind. Features will include 7 star NatHERS rating, all-electric appliances, rainwater tanks and solar panels.
“These are more than just buildings—they represent a fresh start. Each home is a foundation on which a woman and her children can rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity,” Trudi said.
Haven Home Safe welcomed the funding support of the Australian Government Department, which has funded the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation initiative. Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo was on site to see the development progress.
Quotes attributable to Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo:
“Family and domestic violence is a scourge across our country that impacts too many women and children.
“Having a safe place to go can be the difference between staying in a violent relationship and leaving it. That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is investing so much in crisis and transitional accommodation like this project right here in Bendigo.
“This project will help ensure that more women and children experiencing family and domestic violence locally have a safe place to go and don’t have to choose between housing and their safety.
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