The Woman and Children in Crisis Accommodation was officially opened on Wednesday, April 26. 

The centre is run by Southern Cross Housing, in partnership with Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI)

Eight crisis rooms, along with three traditional rooms, are in operation. 

The centre has been in operation at a secure location since January. General manager of Southern Cross Housing, Adam Collison said it has been in high demand since opening. 

“The occupancy rates are very high which is great in terms of having a service available that’s helping people but devastating that the Shoalhaven has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the state,” he said.

Unlike traditional domestic violence accommodation models where a hotel is often used but provides no support system, the centre has services in place 24 hours a day, five days a week. 

While accommodation is available for 28 days, it can be extended through individual case management if permanent housing hasn’t been found within that time. 

Mr Collison said the accommodation is also designed to ensure stability and continuity for children.

“A crisis situation can often become the start of a spiral for kids, particularly in terms their education, so we want to ensure their education isn’t disrupted and they continue with their schooling,” he said. 

Women can be referred to the centre through a range of agencies, including the Nowra Community Services Centre. 

Many agencies operating in conjunction with the crisis accommodation including the domestic violence team at Nowra Police Station and Southern Youth and Family Services attended the official opening at Community Gateway.