The Arada Foundation has purchased a $3.4 million unit block in Campsie to establish Arada House, its first safe haven in Australia for women and children escaping domestic and family violence (DFV).
Today’s announcement was made at an event held at NSW Parliament House, where The Hon. Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, joined Women’s Community Shelters and The Arada Foundation to celebrate the launch of Arada House.
Developed in partnership with Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), who will operate the facility, Arada House represents a safe haven and a vital community resource. This launch marks a significant milestone in the Arada Foundation’s social impact journey in Australia and its commitment to supporting vulnerable women and children.
Domestic and family violence is a pervasive issue affecting communities across Australia and the leading cause of homelessness for women and children Around one in every four women have experienced domestic violence (Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). In the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area (LGA), where Campsie is located, more than 1,700 domestic and family violence-related assaults are recorded each year—roughly on par with the NSW state average (Source: BOCSAR). At the same time, 2,695 people were identified as homeless in the 2021 Census, accounting for 0.7% of the LGA’s population (Source: Homelessness NSW).
With social housing wait times in the Canterbury and Bankstown allocation zones exceeding 10 years for most property types (Source: NSW Government), the need for safe, stable housing has never been more urgent.
Arada House will provide immediate safety, comprehensive support, and pathways to independence for women and children escaping violent situations. The safe haven will provide 20 more safe beds per night, equating to 7,300 more safe bed nights per year for NSW.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “Domestic and family violence is not something that stays behind closed doors – it affects every part of our community, including workplaces. Arada House represents a tangible step in addressing this crisis. We are proud to partner with Women’s Community Shelters to create a safe, secure, and empowering environment where women and children can rebuild their lives.”
Comprehensive Support Services
Residents of Arada House will have access to a full suite of support services, including:
- “Short-term transitional housing: six months of safety, security and shelter
- Counselling and support: Emotional guidance and wellbeing programs
- Legal assistance: Support navigating legal processes
- Financial guidance: Practical support and planning
- Pathway programs: Education, training, and employment opportunities
Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, said “Arada House is a powerful example of what’s possible when shared purpose drives action. Arada identified a critical need and lent into its strength as a global developer and community maker. Women’s Community Shelters brought its expertise in innovative housing solutions, and domestic and family violence. Together, we have created a safe haven that will support women and children impacted by DFV for the next 15 years. It’s community partnership at its best.”
Property and Operations
Arada House is located on a 695sqm plot in the family-friendly Campsie neighbourhood and comprises eight apartments (six two-bedroom, two one-bedroom), each with parking and balconies. Shared facilities include a laundry area and dedicated parking for eight vehicles.
Long-Term Impact
The initiative includes pathway programs designed to empower women with the skills, resources, and confidence to achieve economic independence, helping to reduce the risk of returning to abusive situations.
Rosa Piro, Director of the Arada Foundation, said: “When the place that should offer safety becomes a source of harm, the foundations of life are shaken. Arada House will be a space to heal, to feel safe again, and to find the strength to rebuild. By providing safe havens and empowering futures, we can help break the cycle of domestic violence. Arada House reflects our commitment to building communities where everyone feels safe, secure, and supported to thrive.”
Arada House is the latest initiative from the Arada Foundation, whose flagship programme, Home for a Home, builds a home for a family in need for every home sold by Arada during set times of the year. Another programme, Arada Academies, provides training in construction skills, retrofit and employment support to military veterans in the UK.
