Construction has begun on the $36 million New Generation Catherine House project in Adelaide’s city centre, a major step in expanding crisis accommodation and long-term housing options for South Australian women facing homelessness or escaping violence.
The eight-storey complex will include 52 social housing apartments, with both crisis and transitional accommodation as well as longer-term social housing. The development will offer women private, self-contained units for the first time, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities.
Louise Miller-Frost, the former CEO of Catherine House, said she was delighted to see years of planning come to life. “Catherine House is a unique service that helps women experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives. Many of the women who attend Catherine House are escaping violence, and we know that if a woman has a safe place to go and take her children, she is more likely to take the steps to leave a violent relationship. No woman should have to choose between their safety and somewhere to live.”
The new facility will combine accommodation with shared community areas and support services under one roof. Managed by Housing Choices and Catherine House, the complex will feature around-the-clock staff, an on-site Women’s Respite and Recovery Centre, education spaces, and areas for cooking, crafts, and training.
Federal MP Steve Georganas said Labor’s commitment to ending violence against women was central to the project. “I welcome the expansion of the crucial services provided by Catherine House to women and children experiencing family and domestic violence when they need it most.”
South Australia’s Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Katrine Hildyard, said the project would be life-changing. “Domestic, family and sexual violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women. This new facility will be transformational for women in need, providing them a place to live safely and with dignity so they can recover, heal and traverse the next part of their journey.”
Housing Minister Nat Cook described it as a “critical housing project” that would meet the needs of vulnerable women and those with disability. “Catherine House is a trusted service in South Australia and they will now be able to do more than ever to support vulnerable women,” she said.
Local MP Lucy Hood said the facility added to a growing network of housing options in the CBD. “I am thrilled state and federal Labor governments are supporting this incredible organisation in my electorate to ensure more women can access crisis accommodation and long-term social housing.”
Catherine House Director Julie Duncan said demand continued to rise, with around 180 self-referrals and 40 agency referrals received each month. “The New Generation Catherine House will provide more women including infants and children with vital access to crisis accommodation and recovery-focused services,” she said. “Thanks to our funding partners, supporters, donors, and the strong collaboration between Catherine House and Housing Choices Australia, this new facility will provide safe accommodation, a holistic model of care that will support women to recover, find stable housing and build a life.”
Construction is now underway, with the new facility expected to become a cornerstone of support for women escaping violence and rebuilding their independence in South Australia.
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