Australia’s first women’s refuge listed on the NSW State Heritage Register

Established in 1974, Elsie Refuge was Australia's first domestic violence refuge for women and children.

2024 marks the 50^th anniversary of Elsie - a milestone that reminds us of the progress made to advocate for those experiencing domestic violence.

What began as an activist-founded shelter became the catalyst for a nationwide effort, leading to the establishment of more than 800 shelters across Australia and making a profound impact on the lives of countless women and children.

Emerging out of the Women's Liberation Movement in the 1970s, it was founded with the mission to provide safe refuge for those experiencing domestic violence.

Elsie Refuge was a physical space for women and children seeking help in Sydney, and it rapidly became a prominent symbol of the nationwide issue of domestic violence.

The creation and operation of the refuge contributed to bringing the ongoing issue of domestic violence into important social and political debates, with Elsie acting as a guidepost and model for other refuges that successively opened around NSW and Australia.

Elsie Refuge is renowned for its connections to women's activism in Sydney. It was founded by prominent activists of the Women's Liberation Movement, including well-known journalist and activist Dr Anne Summers, who was instrumental in founding the Refuge, and Bessie Guthrie, a pioneering advocate for victims of domestic and sexual violence in NSW.

A plaque will recognise the addition to the State Heritage Register. It includes a quote written by Catie Gilchrist for the Dictionary of Sydney;

"Armed only with broomsticks, shovels and energetic determination, they changed the locks to establish residency and claimed squatter's rights. On that day, 16 March 1974 the women declared Elsie Women's Refuge Night Shelter open as Australia's first emergency safe haven for women and children subject to domestic violence."

Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe:

"Elsie's legacy is that of women creating safe places for other women. It stands as a testament to the thousands of lives it has protected and changed, and the bravery, tenacity and vision of the women who founded it.

"The story of Elsie, and that of the Women's Liberation movement, will continue to inspire action and advocacy to protect women and children.

"The inclusion of Elsie Refuge on the NSW State Heritage Register is recognition of its enduring legacy as the first women's refuge in Australia. It is an important piece of Australia's social history, and the formal recognition ensures that this feminist story, and the stories of those it sheltered, will continue to be told."

Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson:

"Elsie Refuge was at the forefront of shifting the national dialogue on domestic violence and women's housing.

"As we mark Elsie's inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register, it also highlights the ongoing need for accessible and affordable housing.

"The challenges faced by those fleeing domestic violence today make it clear that providing secure housing is more critical than ever."

Quote attributable to Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison:

"The legacy of Elsie Refuge reminds us that providing secure and accessible housing is a vital part of protecting Australian women and children, including those experiencing domestic violence.

"This heritage listing preserves Elsie's legacy while reminding us there is more important work to be done to protect vulnerable families and provide them with the support they deserve."

Quote attributable to Federal Member for Sydney, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

"When Elsie Refuge was established by feminists, some parliamentarians said refuges would 'break up families' as women would finally flee violent marriages.

"Establishing Elsie, and the refuge movement, has changed Australia - providing safety for thousands of women and children, and advocacy to change our laws and systems.

"NSW State Heritage listing is a fitting acknowledgment of this place and the movement it gave rise to."

Resources:

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, free call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 or call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Find further resources to get help and support online.

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