Wirrawee Gunya Dharruk: A Place of Healing, Led by Community
A new chapter of safety and support has begun in Western Sydney with the opening of Wirrawee Gunya Dharruk, a purpose-built crisis accommodation and outreach service for Aboriginal women and children experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).
This refuge, developed in partnership with DV West, features three two-bedroom units, including one built to gold standard accessibility, along with dedicated spaces for staff, visiting agencies, and community connection. More than just a building, Wirrawee Gunya Dharruk is a culturally safe, trauma-informed space, designed by and for Aboriginal women, to provide both immediate shelter and long-term support.
Since July 2024, the service has supported 217 Aboriginal women and children across the Blacktown LGA, offering stability, care, and pathways to independence.
“It’s the first time in a long time, I have felt safe and can sleep at night.”
–Resident, Wirrawee Gunya Dharruk
A Story of Healing and Hope
One mother and her son, both living with disabilities, were referred to Wirrawee Gunya after fleeing violence from multiple perpetrators. Previously, they had experienced months in unstable, shared crisis accommodation, with limited privacy or security.
In their new home, they found safety and stability. Supported by Aboriginal domestic violence specialists, the family navigated complex legal and child protection systems. Over time, the mother’s risk rating was reduced, parenting orders were secured, and her child could access medical care safely. Today, they live in long-term accommodation and remain actively connected to the Wirrawee Gunya community.
This story illustrates the transformative power of culturally safe housing, demonstrating how well-designed spaces, combined with specialist support, can help Aboriginal women and children escape cycles of violence and reclaim their lives.
Why Wirrawee Gunya Dharruk Matters
- Culturally safe design: Developed in consultation with Aboriginal women to reflect community needs
- Trauma-informed care: Staff trained to provide holistic support to women and children
- Accessibility: Units designed to gold standard accessibility for residents with disabilities
- Community-led approach: Integrates Aboriginal knowledge, perspectives, and leadership in service delivery
- Impact: Supporting hundreds of women and children, fostering safety, stability, and empowerment
Together we can create safer spaces for women and children
You can help us create safer, more culturally appropriate housing for women and children escaping violence. Every contribution supports the construction of purpose-built refuges, specialist programs, and long-term community healing initiatives.
Support safer housing projects by donating what you can. Donate today.