GenWest's refuge property has been operating at capacity lately.
Marrageil Manggi opened in December 2022, and over the past few months, work has been underway to improve the space for clients and ensure it is a safe, healing environment.
The name of our refuge property, Marrageil Manggi (pronounced Marra-jal Man-gee) means ‘divine within’ in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Custodians of this part of Melbourne’s west.
So far this year, the refuge has provided safe, secure accommodation to 17 households.
Local Melbourne artist Carla McRae recently painted some beautiful murals on the interior walls of the refuge (see one of them below). Our thanks also go to everyone that donated children’s books and dress-ups to make the space an inviting one for children.
The new refuge moves away from traditional communal living arrangements, such as the one at our previous refuge property. In the past, families who had experienced significant trauma would have to share living, kitchen and bathroom spaces.
The new refuge features six self-contained units with bedrooms, living and kitchen spaces and private outdoor areas.
They are spacious and light filled, with brightly coloured furniture. There is a playground, a garden/veggie patch and lots of trees. The accommodation is comfortable and stylish as well as being private and secure.
We’re pleased to report that every unit at Marrageil Manggi is occupied by a victim survivor.
