A transitional housing project in the Shoalhaven has opened its doors today (Thursday November 4, 2026) to provide support for local women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Delivered by SASSI, and supported by the Albanese Labor Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Crisis & Transitional program, the project received $10.2 million federal funding to purchase and upgrade 15 homes, including six two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom units.
The Yidili crisis and transitional homes will support up to 42 people at any one time.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips toured the newly completed homes today and said she was impressed they had been completed ahead of schedule.
“I know how vital it is to have safe, secure homes for women and children escaping family and domestic violence,” she said.
“We know housing is a major barrier for many women leaving violent situations, and they often think twice about leaving if they think their kids will become homeless.
“I congratulate SASSI on delivering this project and the associated support services in our region, because ensuring women and children have somewhere safe to go when they need to leave is absolutely critical.
“This is a beautiful place to heal, regain independence and reconnect with their communities.
“The service will support at least 15 families each year and will also provide specialist domestic and family violence case management throughout their tenancy and beyond.”
Mrs Phillips said it was important that the property was well positioned, close to village shops, parks, and schools.
“It’s an ideal location for women and children to restart their lives in a safe and connected environment, with healthcare and community services nearby, a bus stop outside the property and it’s just a short drive into Nowra for major services,” she said.
SASSI is a not-for-profit service based in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra offering housing and support for women and their children who are impacted by homelessness or domestic violence.
SASSI CEO Penny Dordoy said wrap-around support services would be coordinated from an onsite office, ensuring residents have ready access to case management, referrals and practical assistance.
“This embedded support model strengthens outcomes by helping women and children not only secure safe housing, but also stabilise their lives and prepare for sustainable, long-term independence,” she said.
She said the homes opened at a time when demand for safe, affordable housing in the Shoalhaven continued to outstrip supply - one of the biggest barriers women face when leaving a violent relationship.
Fourteen of the properties are safe, self-contained two and three bedroom transitional homes, while the fifteenth is a dedicated support and training centre, where SASSI case managers will deliver safety planning, case management, life skills and training on site.
All 15 properties have been delivered to Silver Livable Housing Design standard, so every home is safe, accessible and tailored to the needs of women and children rebuilding their lives.
Each independent, self-contained home has a fully fenced yard for safe play, and the dwellings are pet-friendly, recognising the important role pets play in recovery from trauma.
These homes are among 7,200 social and affordable homes the Albanese Labor Government has delivered since coming to office with another 23,000 homes in planning or construction.
PHOTO: SASSI CEO Penny Dordoy (left), Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and Aunty Grace Crossley cut the ribbon to officially open the new Yidili crisis and transitional homes.
