More crisis accom for the region

MORE emergency accommodation for women and children will be built in Bendigo using $2.5 million in Federal Government funding.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth announced the Safe Places program funding during a visit to the city on Tuesday.

The Safe Places program funds the renovation, building or purchase of new crisis or emergency accommodation for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

The money will be used to establish 18 new houses in the Loddon Mallee region, with three townhouses in Bendigo to form part of Haven Home Safe’s accommodation supply.

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters joined Ms Rishworth for the announcement at the Centre for Non-Violence.

“Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness and housing insecurity for women and children across Australia,” Ms Chesters said.

“The Safe Places project in Bendigo will provide women and children experiencing family and domestic violence access to necessary expert support while also offering much-needed comfort and refuge from unsafe situations.”

The government is spending $172.6 million on the Safe Places program, including $100 million over five years for new emergency accommodation.