CONSTRUCTION is soon expected to start on three one-bedroom units for mature age women to flee abusive relationships around Nelson Bay.
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The units will expand on the limited crisis options available on the Tomaree Peninsula and enable women to rebuild their lives.
“These will be targeted for mature age women, who have already raised their children, who haven’t already escaped domestic violence,” said Lynn Vatner, Port Stephens Women’s Crisis and Support Group.
“We can keep them here and make sure they have the support they need for up to two years.”
The units - expected to cost $210,000 - are before Port Stephens Council. Ms Vatner said a minor redesign, to ensure the units meet accessibility needs, should only be a formality.
Nelson Bay Rotary has raised $35,000 for the cause while Soldiers Point Marina has chipped in $40,000.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington endorsed the project through the state government’s Community Building Partnership and secured $50,000 in 2015. She said the project would regain some of the accommodation lost when the Yacaaba Centre lost funding under the Going Home Staying Home scheme.
Once built, suitable women will be referred through the Yacaaba Centre. Ms Vatner said the slab could be poured as soon as March.
“With these generous donations from the community we’re now in a position to build them,” Ms Vatner said.
Nelson Bay Rotary president Judy Mitchell said her club had carefully researched the issue.
“The units will give these women the confidence to move on with their lives,” she said.
“We know there’s a big gap in not only these services but in youth mental health.”
The club raised the money in one hit from a long lunch at Broughtons at the Bay in October.
“We know this money is going to a really good cause,” Mrs Mitchell said.
Soldiers Point Marina only last year gave $10,000 to the Yacaaba Centre’s emergency fund.
The fund helps women with expenses like rent and car registration.
“With the crisis accommodation, it’s going to a really good cause,” marina manager Darrell Barnett said.
The Yacaaba Centre was established in 1989 remains only part-funded by the state government. It relied on support from many organisations and individuals.
“There was a lot of noise made when the Yacaaba Centre lost its funding,” Ms Washington said.
“The government was backed into a corner and had to come up with some alternative funding.”
As recently as December the Port Stephens Women In Business fundraising committee gave the centre $3000.