Opening of Bella’s Sanctuary

In an Australian first, survivors of domestic violence will have a safe place to call home with a purpose-built bridging accommodation facility, Bella’s Sanctuary, officially opening on the northern Gold Coast on 27 August.

The $1.6 million haven will provide support for women and children leaving domestic violence situations.

Mirvac collaborated with DVConnect and Queensland developer Halcyon to deliver this project, with Mirvac donating the land for the facility.

This is the first time in Australia that a corporate and not-for-profit organisation have teamed up to address the alarming rate of domestic violence through housing.

The bridging accommodation comprises of two one-bedroom, including one designed with disabled access, two two-bedroom and one three-bedroom units each with their own kitchenette, living area and courtyard. It also has a communal kitchen and living room, a play area and a DVConnect support office.

What makes this accommodation facility different, and a first of its kind in Australia, is the fact that women and children can stay for up to 12 months, get back on their feet, find employment, let kids settle into school and slowly re-build their lives.

The statistics around the number of Australian women living in abusive relationships are alarming, with one woman killed every week by a current or former partner. Mirvac is committed to ending violence against women and we believe there is a clear need to not just raise awareness of domestic violence but provide practical support for victims, and we are very proud to be able to contribute towards creating Bella’s Sanctuary.