ALISON BYRNES MP
MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM

The Albanese Labor Government has announced 41 organisations across Australia that will receive a share of $100 million for new crisis and transitional housing for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness. 

Thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program, local service provider SAHSSI (Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra) will receive $4,607,598 to purchase, remodel and expand 6 dwellings in the Wollongong LGA for both women and children experiencing family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness. 

Funded through Labor’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), this program will help thousands of women and children across Australia, and is another part of the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing reform agenda. Since coming to government the Albanese Government is investing nearly 20 times more in crisis and transitional accommodation and programs than the previous Liberal government did in 10 years.  

CTAP aligns with the Government’s broader housing and women’s safety agendas, including the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, the National Housing Infrastructure Facility and builds on the work of existing emergency and crisis accommodation programs like the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program. 

Hundreds of applications were received, demonstrating the critical need for secure housing across Australia after a decade of underinvestment under the Coalition. Those applications were assessed through an open-competitive grants process and all successful projects clearly demonstrated how the projects will meet the needs of women and children and older women at risk of homelessness.  

This funding builds on a local $4.1 million investment for 18 social and affordable dwellings across the Illawarra under round one of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.  

Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on  13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:   

“The Albanese Labor Government understands that having a safe place to go can be the difference between leaving a violent relationship or staying. That’s what SAHSSI and these projects are all about – empowering some of the most vulnerable people in our community with a safe place to go.  

“Family and domestic violence is a scourge on our society, which has a huge impact on vulnerable women and kids in the Illawarra. It’s why we’re investing 20 times what the Coalition did in their decade in office, in just under three years” 

“We know there’s more to do, and we are absolutely committed to eliminating family and domestic violence in one generation. Delivering hundreds of new crisis and emergency homes, including six here in the Illawarra, is one way we are supporting more women and children having secure accommodation when they need it most.   

Quotes attributable to SAHSSI Chief Executive Officer, Penny Dordoy:

“SAHSSI is proud to be able to deliver six new transitional homes in the Wollongong LGA through the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program (CTAP). Transitional homes bridge the gap between crisis accommodation and long-term accommodation. They provide safety and stability while women are re-building their lives after experiencing domestic violence.”

“Two of the six homes will be earmarked for and older women experiencing homelessness. Older women are the fastest growing cohort of homelessness. There needs have long been overlooked.”

“These new homes are not just a place to live—they are a lifeline, offering women and their children a vital opportunity to rebuild their lives free from fear. For older women, who often face unique challenges such as ageism, financial insecurity, and limited housing options, this initiative is especially important.”

“SAHSSI is committed to ensuring that every individual fleeing violence, and every older woman experiencing homelessness has a safe, affordable and suitable home with supports tailored to their needs.”