Walgett's new crisis housing for women and children is expected welcome its first tenants this week, with manager Mission Australia hoping the housing will better help victim-survivors recovering from domestic violence and homelessness.

The new site takes over from the shared five-bedroom Barwon Cottage, with the block including two two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units.

The site is security fenced, has cameras right around the perimeter and an intercom system that goes to all the units.

"Hopefully it gives the women a little bit more independence, not having to share accommodation. They'll be living in their own units, which allows them time to go through and deal with the traumas that they've been through," Mission Australia Project Manager Kellie Maxwell said.

"This has been a long time coming, so we are very excited with the new safehouse."

The complex will also have a 'hub' section for support services like legal aid, drug and alcohol and mental health counsellors to work with clients on-site.

Ms Maxwell says the safe house is designed for a 'wrap around' approach to support. PHOTO: Mission Australia

Women will be able to access the accommodation by approaching or calling the Mission Australia office in Walgett's Fox Street.

Other services can also refer them.

The accommodation took three years to build and is on the site of the old men's refuge, which Ms Maxwell said had been "in very poor condition." 

She said Barwon Cottage will be used for the new men's refuge.

“Walgett Women’s Safe House will provide a home for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, and a place where recovery is encouraged and supported, including holistic healing and wraparound support for Aboriginal women and families,” Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and ensuring women and children can live safely and freely in their own communities."

The site will prioritise Indigenous women and children, who Ms Maxwell said make a large proportion of clients in the area.

One of the units at the safehouse. PHOTO: Mission Australia

She said Indigenous clients will have access to culturally appropriate support.

"Seventy-five per cent of our staff are Aboriginal and we have a lot of Aboriginal resources. We have fairly strong connections with the Dharriwaa Elders Group and the Walgett Community Working Party."

The new site opened in mid-August, although Ms Maxwell said it hadn't been able to welcome clients due to minor issues with the complex, including around plumbing and toothing.

Walgett experienced the highest rate of domestic violence-related assault in NSW between April 2023 and March 2024, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

In that period, the Local Government Area (LGA) saw 197 reports, or 3571 people per 100,000.

Walgett was also revealed as the (LGA) with the highest rate of homelessness in NSW this year - 285 people per 10,000 - according to Homeless NSW.