The Albanese Labor Government has announced a $20 million commitment to establish The Coast Women’s and Children’s Trauma Recovery Centre in East Gosford, offering a critical lifeline to women and children escaping domestic, family, and sexual violence.
If re-elected, the Labor Government says the new frontline service will assist up to 500 women and children each year, providing both trauma recovery support and much-needed crisis and transitional accommodation in the Central Coast region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment was part of a broader, determined push to end violence against women and children in Australia.
“We must end the scourge of violence against women,” Mr Albanese said.
“We know we have a great deal more work to do and we cannot be satisfied until the violence stops. Investing in centres like this is crucial, so women know they have a safe place to go.”
The East Gosford facility will take a community-led approach, offering wrap-around, trauma-sensitive services tailored to the needs of women and children recovering from abuse. It will also place a strong focus on working with children to help break the cycle of violence across generations.
The Coast Women’s and Children’s Trauma Recovery Centre forms part of Labor’s record $4 billion investment under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. The Albanese Government has also previously announced more than $1.2 billion for crisis and transitional accommodation and is currently funding the construction of 33 new women’s and children’s shelters nationwide.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said access to safe accommodation was a critical step for survivors seeking to rebuild their lives.
“We know that if a woman knows she has a safe place to go and take her children, she is more likely to take the steps to leave a violent relationship,” Ms Rishworth said.
“The establishment of The Coast Women’s and Children’s Trauma Recovery Centre will save lives and provide women with a safe place to go,
where they can connect with the specialised services and support they need to heal, recover and build a life free from violence.”
The Centre will be designed to address urgent needs for emergency support while also offering pathways to long-term recovery. The model will combine crisis care with ongoing services such as counselling, legal assistance, financial advice, and support for children affected by trauma.
Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of providing holistic support in the moments survivors need it most.
“These supports for women and children fleeing family and domestic violence will make a difference,” Dr Reid said.
“Providing a safe roof over their heads is absolutely vital, in what is one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
This will provide wrap-around services, which is why we’re committed to this investment on the Central Coast.”
The government says this latest announcement builds on ongoing efforts, including two National Cabinet meetings focused on gendered violence held last year, where leaders agreed to accelerate action across jurisdictions.
Consistent with government practice, funding for the Centre will be delivered under the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Construction of The Coast Women’s and Children’s Trauma Recovery Centre is expected to begin soon after the election, with service delivery to commence as early as possible to meet critical community needs.
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