A New Chapter in Safety and Support
Muslim Women Australia (MWA) is proud to announce a significant expansion of our crisis accommodation services, made possible through the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster Program.
From May 2025, two new crisis accommodation sites will be operational in the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area, increasing our capacity by 48 beds and strengthening our ability to provide safe, culturally responsive and trauma-informed support for women and families experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV).
This initiative is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating spaces of healing, privacy, and empowerment—tailored to the real and diverse needs of the communities we serve.
What Is Core and Cluster?
The Core and Cluster model is a best-practice approach to crisis accommodation. It provides women and children with self-contained, private units (the “core”) alongside shared communal spaces and on-site support services (the “cluster”).
This model ensures:
- Privacy without isolation
- Stability without disruption to daily routines like school or work
- Access to support in a culturally safe and respectful environment
Who We Support
MWA’s crisis accommodation services are designed to support:
- Women and children escaping domestic, family or sexual violence
- Women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
- Larger family groupings, including multi-generational households
- Mothers with teenage sons
- Older women at risk of or experiencing homelessness
- Women with disability, or caring for children with disability
We work with each family to ensure their specific needs—cultural, spiritual, physical and emotional—are met with compassion, professionalism, and care.
Why This Matters
Women and children fleeing violence are often forced into communal living situations that lack privacy and can feel unsafe or overwhelming, particularly during times of extreme stress.
This expansion ensures:
- Safe and secure environments that support healing and recovery
- Greater flexibility to meet a wide range of household types and needs
- Facilities that support cultural practices, such as shared cooking spaces and prayer areas
- Improved accessibility, including for those with disability
Intake and Referral
Service Intake Commences:
📅 1st May 2025
Referrals:
📞 Call 02 9750 6916 (MWA Centralised Referral Line)
🕘 Intake available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Length of Stay:
Crisis accommodation typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on individual circumstances and case planning.
A Holistic, Community-Led Approach
For over 40 years, MWA has walked alongside thousands of women and families, providing not only shelter but hope, dignity, and support. Our services are built on trust, cultural insight, and a deep commitment to social justice and equity.
Through this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide safety and refuge—because every person deserves a place to heal, rebuild, and belong.
Need Help or Want to Know More?
📞 02 9750 6916
🌐 Visit www.mwa.org.au
✉️ info@mwa.org.au
