The facility, a safe haven to be based at an unpublicised location on the northern Gold Coast, was launched by the Hon Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence on Wednesday 12th December.

Distress over the Gold Coast’s escalating rate of domestic violence and murder prompted Halcyon project director Marie Cone to bring to life the city’s first purpose-built bridging accommodation for women and their children.

The bridging accommodation will comprise two one-bedroom, two two-bedroom and one three-bedroom unit each with their own kitchenette, living area and courtyard. It will also have a communal kitchen and living room, a play area, and a residence for the onsite manager.

Halcyon and Mirvac will work in conjunction with DVConnect to provide a safe, stable and comfortable environment for women with children exiting domestic violence situations, within which they can create new life plans and, where relevant, re-enter the workplace with confidence.

DVConnect board of directors chair Shaan Ross-Smith said the not-for-profit organisation placed 4,000 women and children in Queensland motels last year alone because all shelters were at capacity.

“We’re so privileged to have community-minded enterprises such as Halcyon and Mirvac that have the capacity and the desire to be a force for change in the communities in which they operate,” said Ms Ross-Smith.

“Such support as this will not only support Gold Coast women but women and children all across Queensland who can be placed here in a safe area to help rebuild their lives.”

Halcyon joint managing director Dr Geissmann said the DVConnect facility presented the perfect opportunity for Halcyon to lend a helping hand to the community.

“We’re really pleased to be playing a small role in a community initiative that will support so many families,” Dr Geissmann said.

“Victims can get government-funded crisis accommodation at a hotel or motel for two or three days but so often these women are then forced to go home, and they’re stuck in that terrible situation, so this DVConnect facility will provide an effective alternative.”

Committed to making the bridging accommodation a reality, Mirvac generously donated land to DVConnect for the facility.  Mirvac were very, very impressed by the concept and jumped on board,” Dr Geissmann said.

Now both companies, with the generous help of their sub-contractors and suppliers, have commenced construction on the DVConnect facility. Mirvac human resources head Kristen Sweeney said tackling domestic violence requires the attention and efforts of everyone in the community and Mirvac was pleased to lend a helping hand.

“As a White Ribbon Workplace, Mirvac is committed to creating a culture of respect,  where violence in all forms will never be tolerated,” said Ms Sweeney. “Domestic Violence is a serious, prevalent and preventable issue in Australia. Donating this land to help support families experiencing domestic violence is another example of how Mirvac can help make a real difference and play an important role in a community response.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. DVConnect provides three free, crisis telephone lines. They offer specialist counsellors who can help develop a safety plan including emergency transport and accommodation if needed.

DVConnect helps Queenslanders find pathways to safety away from domestic and family violence. DVConnect operates three crisis helplines; Womensline, Mensline and the Sexual Assault Helpline. DVConnect is Queensland’s only free telephone service specialising in domestic, family and sexual violence offering crisis counsellors who can provide safety planning, information, interventions, referrals and emergency transport and accommodation. DVConnect operates Bella’s Sanctuary, a medium-term accommodation residence for women and children after leaving refuge/shelter. DVConnect also offers Workplace Domestic Violence Training to Queensland organisations. 

The DVConnect helplines are:

• Womensline 1800 811 811, available 24/7
• Mensline 1800 600 636 available from 9am – midnight, 7 days
• Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120, available from 7.30am – 11.30pm, 7 days.
• For more visit www.DVConnect.org.

For more, contact