Both major parties promise trauma recovery centre for Coast

The battle for Robertson continues to rage between the two major parties, with tit-for-tat announcements on huge commitments being a feature of the 2025 Federal election campaign.

This week, both the ALP and the LNP pledged $20M to establish a new trauma recovery centre at East Gosford if elected.

The Coast Women’s and Children’s Trauma Recovery Centre will be a new frontline domestic, family and sexual violence service which will help up to 500 women and children to recover from violence and abuse and provide much needed crisis and transitional accommodation.

The pledges are in response to a proposal by Pacific Link Housing and the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, following extensive advocacy efforts across the sector.

The community-led initiative will offer a wraparound, trauma-sensitive approach to support recovery from domestic, family and sexual violence trauma – with a focus on working with children to help break the cycle of violence.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese popped into the Central Coast on Monday, April 28, to make the announcement.

“We must end the scourge of violence against women,” he said.

“We know we have a great deal more work to do and we cannot be satisfied until the violence stops.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Investing in centres like this is crucial, so women know they have a safe place to go.

“This builds on what we’re already delivering – more than $4B in our National Plan, 33 new shelters for women and children, bringing together states and territories, as well new approaches to target perpetrators and early intervention to stop violence.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said if a woman knew she had a safe place to go and take her children, she was more likely to take the steps to leave a violent relationship.

Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said providing a safe roof over the heads of women and children fleeing domestic violence was “absolutely vital, in what is one of the most difficult moments of their lives”.

“This will provide wraparound services – which is why we’re committed to this investment on the Central Coast,” he said.

Not to be outdone, the LNP announced that a Dutton Coalition Government would also commit $20M for the centre.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the announcement highlighted his personal commitment to address family and domestic violence in Australia.

“As a former police officer who attended numerous domestic violence call-outs, I know the trauma and lifelong impacts that can occur as a result of these horrific crimes,” he said.

“A government I lead will be focussed on delivering real change so that families, women and children are safer and we work toward reducing the impact of family and domestic violence.”

Dutton said the centre would mirror successful models in Sydney and Wollongong and would provide one and two-bedroom accommodation options to support women and children leaving a traumatic situation.

The centre will be developed by Pacific Link Housing, in partnership with the Central Coast Women’s Health Centre.

Pacific Link Housing Group CEO Ian Lynch said such a project should not be needed, because domestic and family violence should not exist in this country.

“However, the alarming statistics demand an immediate and drastic response,” he said.

“While this centre addresses the critical need for post-trauma care, we remain hopeful that there will also be funding announcements of greater proportions for prevention and education efforts in the future.

“Community housing providers are uniquely equipped to bring together possibilities that benefit local communities

“Pacific Link Housing is incredibly proud to be doing just that with the Central Coast Women’s and Children’s Trauma Recovery Centre in partnership with the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre.”

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre CEO Sara Foster said domestic violence on the Central Coast is a whole-of-community crisis that can no longer be ignored.

“Our local services are at breaking point and we know that women and children in our community are not receiving the critical wrap-around supports that are essential to breaking these cycles of violence and assisting in their long-term healing and recovery,” she said.

“Funding for a trauma recovery centre is a win for the Coast but makes it more important than ever for investment in specialist DV service providers to adequately support and nurture the women and children accessing these services.

“This funding is the result of ongoing advocacy from multiple organisations and as a sector we are strongest when we work together on behalf of women and children everywhere.

“By investing in the safety, health and healing of women and their children, we address the impacts of trauma and work toward breaking pervasive cycles of violence and abuse.”