ABORIGINAL victim-survivors of family violence and their children will receive early intervention support following the roll-out of the NSW Government’s Safe and Strong program in Port Stephens.

“Safe and Strong” is funded through a $13 million investment under the National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

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It uses a dual model of early intervention support for both victim-survivors and their children who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family violence.

Service providers will deliver specialist early support such as counselling, family capacity building, and supported playgroups.

Caseworkers will help families to identify early signs of violence in their homes, and deliver therapeutic, trauma-informed and culturally safe support focusing on the needs and experiences of victim-survivors and their children.

Eleven Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) will deliver Safe and Strong in ten priority locations across NSW, including the Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge in Port Stephens.

Warlga Ngurra is a specialist early intervention and homelessness service for women and their children operating throughout the Hunter including Raymond Terrace and Karuah.

Minister for Families and Communities and Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said, “Evidence shows that early intervention supports can have a direct impact in building resilience for children and young people who are experiencing family violence.

“Any child experiencing family violence is one child too many.

“We are doing all we can to tackle this abhorrent horror in the Port Stephens and Hunter community by delivering supports that are aimed to help victims heal and recover.

“This is an important program to help Aboriginal families and communities in the Hunter stay safe and end the cycle of abuse in their homes.”

Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge manager Belinda Reed said the organisation is “deeply honoured and excited” to receive the Safe and Strong funding.

“This support will enable Warlga Ngurra to strengthen our vital work with Aboriginal women and their children, providing early intervention and support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

“Our community faces unique challenges, and this funding will help us deliver culturally safe, responsive services that empower women, children, and families to heal, thrive, and break the cycle of violence.

“Together, we can create stronger, safer futures for our people.”

The Safe and Strong project is funded for 12 months and will be independently evaluated to measure its impact and effectiveness.