New safe spaces for women and children

Bruce MP Julian Hill supported the funding for 48 new safe spaces in The City of Casey for women and children. (Gary Sissons: 384998_15)

The WAYSS Casey Project has received a total approved funding amount of $5.7 million for the creation of 48 safe spaces to support women and children in the City of Casey.

Located in Narre Warren, the project is part of the Federal Government’s $100 million announcement in 2022 for the Safe Places Inclusion Round, in conjunction with the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

Bruce MP Julian Hill said that WAYYS does “excellent work assisting people who are homeless or at risk or experiencing family violence”.

“This new Commonwealth funding will allow them to continue their exemplary record of supporting the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.

The $5.7 million was announced on Tuesday 9 July by the minister for social services Amanda Rishworth, and is part of the overall 720 new safe spaces for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

It also builds on the $72.6 million that was previously allocated to the Safe Places Emergency Accomodation Program.

“Violence against women and children is without question a national crisis,” Mr Hill said.

“Too many women in Australia are living in fear, and too many are dying from violence.

“The government is determined to find solutions – including the Safe Places Emergency Program.”

Successful projects are expected to commence in the coming months, with all projects to be completed by June 2027.