A new refuge for women and children escaping family violence in regional New South Wales is due to open its doors in 2026.

The state government-funded, Aboriginal-led construction is set to deliver a six two-bedroom, culturally-safe, safety-specific and trauma-informed designed crisis accommodation in Walgett Shire.

The project is funded with $6.2 million via the state's Core and Cluster program, with Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation behind the build.

Muurdi Parki was established 1997 initially to protect and manage Aboriginal housing stock at risk of being sold by liquidators and administrators.

They now provide their services across a large footprint across the state, Aboriginal social housing tenancy management, homelessness prevention, community engagement, and policy advocacy "giving voice to Aboriginal housing needs at every level", alongside new builds.

"This project is not just about bricks and mortar, it's about creating a safe and dignified place that can support people to rebuild their lives," for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous people alike, a Murdi Paaki spokesperson told National Indigenous Times.

The new accommodation includes six two-bedroom units, including one wheel-chair accessible, spaces and play areas for teens and younger children, and spaces for pets.

In-house counselling, legal assistance, family therapy and employment services will also be available.

Walgett Shire local government area with the highest recorded domestic violence assault rates in NSW, according to government statistics.

"There is a great need for crisis accommodation and specialist support services across the state, including in regional, rural and remote New South Wales. We are committed to providing appropriate support and safe housing to victim-survivors irrespective of their postcode," NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said.

Local member of parliament Roy Butler called domestic violence a "scourge on society".

He added having access to safe accommodation is one of the biggest challenges women and children face.

"Facilities like this allow women and children subjected to family or domestic violence to remove themselves from the threat and stay in a safe, supportive environment while they can recover and plan for the future," Mr Butler said.

From their management of the contract to the service delivery partners they collaborate with, Murdi Paaki said the refuge is about "ensuring the facility is sustainable and culturally appropriate for the local context".

"This is a critically important project for Murdi Paaki Housing, it's part of our commitment to improving housing outcomes and community safety for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike in remote and regional communities," the organisation spokesperson told National Indigenous Times.

"Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in New South Wales", state Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, adding 48 other refuges are being built in the state under Core and Cluster funding.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the government funding initiative is an investment made to halving Aboriginal community family and domestic violence within six years under Closing the Gap targets.

"We know that the refuge's culturally responsive design will ensure victim-survivors feel culturally safe and supported as they rebuild their lives after violence and abuse," Minister Harris said.

Last year the Walgett Women's Safe House was opened in the community, managed by Mission Australia.

Moree-based Indigenous victim-survivor domestic family violence and sexual abuse service Thiyamali provides outreach programs in Walgett.

Thiyamali delivers legal support and counselling, housing, health, early intervention, and community legal education.

Construction of the refuge is earmarked for completion in June 2026.

"Core and Cluster reflects what's possible when the housing sector, support services, and government work together," the Murdi Paaki spokesperson said.