The Orchard Domestic and Family Violence Refuge Construction - Orange

The Orchard is the first of its kind in NSW, creating a safe haven for women and children escaping domestic violence and providing a supportive environment  for victims to recover.

Renascent were engaged to deliver the new-build construction of six, two-bedroom apartments, which are arranged in duplexes and are designed and equipped for families. The design of the apartments provides flexibility for larger families with interlocking doors that also enable the duplex to become a one-bedroom  and three-bedroom apartment or one large four-bedroom apartment. Apartments are modern and open plan with private backyards and access to larger outdoor spaces, including a dedicated sensory playground for children.

The communal areas have been designed to meet all the needs of women and children and includes consulting rooms, audio-visual equipment for court appearances, a wellness retreat to improve wellbeing and prepare for court or other appointments, multifunctional counselling rooms, a study, crèche, kitchen  with dual appliances for cookery demonstrations, BBQ area and a healing room for Aboriginal women to make their own.

The  construction of The Orchard has benefited the local community in many ways including:

• Provide a safe and culturally appropriate space for families from around 72 families in Orange, NSW each year.
• Keep women and children in their community, near schools, employment and supportive families supporting faster recovery.
• Increase community volunteering by involving community  groups, schools, businesses and individuals in providing a safe and supportive environment that enables women to feel part of, and not isolated from, the community.