Upgraded spaces support healing at Hobart Women’s Shelter
Women and children experiencing family violence are benefiting from newly renovated communal spaces at the Hobart Women’s Shelter, designed to support healing, recovery and wellbeing.
The upgrades include a purpose-built activities space, recreation room and therapy room, along with an enhanced outdoor play area.
Each space has been thoughtfully designed using trauma-informed principles to create safe, welcoming environments that foster connection and resilience.
The project was made possible through the support of partners including the Tasmanian Community Fund, Variety Tasmania and Hobart Airport, alongside funding from the Australian Government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program and Homes Tasmania.
Hobart Women’s Shelter Chief Executive Officer Janet Saunders said the new spaces were already making a difference.
“These newly renovated spaces will make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of the women and children we support,” she said.
“Having safe, calming and engaging environments is essential to helping people heal from trauma and rebuild their confidence.”
Tasmanian Community Fund Chair Kym Goodes said the project highlighted the importance of investing in both immediate safety and long term recovery.
“We are seeing growing demand for crisis accommodation across Tasmania and investments like this are an important part of strengthening how communities respond,” she said.
“We need to ensure we are not only providing immediate safety but also creating environments that support recovery and longer term wellbeing.”
The upgrades form part of a broader expansion of the shelter, with plans underway for the construction of 15 new self-contained units to increase capacity and support more women and children in need.
The Hobart Women’s Shelter continues to play a critical role in supporting women and children escaping family violence, with these enhanced spaces further strengthening its ability to provide holistic, trauma-informed care.