Thursday 05 February 2015

Morwell’s Orana Gunyah Refuge is facing significant cuts, as the Abbott Government prepares to cut millions of dollars in funding that helps people avoid homelessness.

The Refuge, funded under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH), provides emergency accommodation and support to indigenous women and children who are escaping family violence.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, said the lack of continued funding would severely impact upon the future of Orana Gunyah and the surrounding community.

Premier Daniel Andrews wrote to Prime Minister Tony Abbott in December calling on him to extend funding under the Agreement.

The Agreement was signed in 2008 and expires on June 30 this year. It funds services to help Victorians avoid homelessness, including young people who have experienced family breakdown.

Orana Gunyah is one of two refuges funded under the Agreement, after opening its doors in April 2014.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins

“Orana Gunyah is a safe place that supports women and children affected by homelessness due to family violence.”

“I know Tony Abbott is worried about his job, but he should be worried about women and children affected by homelessness”.