Welcome To Melbourne Lodge

Melbourne Lodge offers short-term crisis accommodation to single women, as well as women with children in a safe, professional and caring environment. Melbourne Lodge is not for profit and proudly sponsored by Harlan.

Our facilities cater for 50 beds available in dormitory-style accommodation and very reasonable rates.

Melbourne Lodge is based in Preston and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The on-site Manager is also a Social Worker.

Referral Criteria:

• Melbourne Lodge is a no-smoking (except outside) no-alcohol and no-drugs facility.
• There is no provision for visitors, except for agency staff. 
• Curfew is at 11pm.
• Melbourne Lodge is unsuitable for those with mental health issues.

Make A Referral or Booking

Melbourne Lodge accepts referrals from approved agencies only. While self-referrals are not accepted, those initially referred by an agency will be permitted to extend their stay, provided the appropriate fees are paid prior to such extension.

Melbourne Lodge actively encourages agencies to continue face-to-face contact with their referred clients (we call them 'guests') and has set aside a private room for this purpose.

The referral process to Melbourne lodge is quite simple...

Initially, just phone (03) 9480 6971 or 0409 430 839 at any time, in order to ascertain whether a vacancy exists.

A definite booking can then be made by either faxing (03) 9354 8955 or by sending us an email, with agency name and address, as well as the actual booking required.

An invoice will then be sent to the agency in due course.

Our Services - What We Offer

A Caring and Welcoming Haven
Melbourne Lodge is different. It's not just a crisis accommodation facility. It is also a place where women and children can feel safe. It is a place where they can find healing from the traumas which brought them there in the first instance. It's a friendly and welcoming place. It's clean, and unlike other places of refuge, Melbourne Lodge is alcohol and drug-free. Apart from agency personnel, visitors are also not permitted.

Getting Back On Track
Melbourne Lodge gives mothers with children an opportunity to re-establish proper daily routines, both for themselves, as well as for their chidren, particularly after the disruptions caused by family upheaval.

Relaxation & De-Stressing
There is a play area for children. At night, after children have gone to bed, women at Melbourne Lodge can relax and chat to the other women, watch a movie (we have Foxtel), or even enjoy a game of "Balderdash".

Security & Counselling
Possibly unlike any other similar facility in Australia, Melbourne Lodge's on-site Manager is a mature male. He is an experienced Social Worker, whose primary concern is to protect those in his care and to ensure their safety. He is available for counselling.

Convenient, central location
Melbourne Lodge is close to public transport, medical care, Preston Market, shops and a Centrelink office, and is also well served by other local welfare and housing agencies.

Mission Statement

At Melbourne Lodge, our mission is to serve with care those referred to our Service.

Our Vision

Our vision at Melbourne Lodge is to assist those women and children referred to our Service to begin the process of self healing and recovery.