SUPPORT: Meminar Ngangg Gimba case manager Janine Wilson with the official opening plaque.
Ms Wilson (second from left) is joined by Mildura councillor Sue Nichols, Bev Peter and Haven CEO Ken Marchingo. Pictures: Clancy Shipsides
A $2.4 million indigenous women’s and children’s housing complex was officially opened yesterday.
The refuge, run as part of the Meminar Ngangg Gimba program – which means ‘group of women to dwell here’ – was the first of two in the state to be built.
A large crowd who helped the housing complex come together attended the official opening yesterday, which was marked with an unveiling of plaques.
The housing complex, located on Ontario Avenue, will act as a safe house for women and children who are victims of family violence.
Meminar Ngangg Gimba case manager Janine Wilson said it was pleasing to finally be able to house the women in need.
“It is a big milestone for us and we can’t wait to begin operations so we can start taking in women who need it the most,” Ms Wilson said.
“We are hoping to have residents being able to come here from the first or second week in October.
“This complex will be manned 24/7 and we are currently in the process of hiring our final casual staff.
“It will be such a great benefit to our community, we all know the effects family violence can have on children and Mildura has taken the first step to prevent it.
For more of this story, purchase your copy of Wednesday's Sunraysia Daily 19/09/2012.