- Stage one of a new crisis accommodation facility for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in Albany is now complete
- Operational funding of $2.4 million over two years has been provided to Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA to deliver the refuge service
- The project will increase access to safe, secure, culturally responsive accommodation for victim-survivors across Albany and the Great Southern
Women and children escaping family and domestic violence in the Great Southern will benefit from expanded crisis accommodation following the completion of stage one of the new Albany Refuge.
The first stage of the project has delivered six self-contained accommodation units and an administration building, providing a safe and supportive environment for women with or without accompanying children.
To support operation of the refuge, $2.4 million has been provided over two years through a partnership between the Commonwealth and State Governments, with service delivery to be provided by Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA.
The Cook Labor Government has committed $6.9 million toward stage two of the project, delivering on a State Election commitment to expand refuge accommodation in the Great Southern.
Once fully operational, the Albany Refuge will support up to 166 women and children annually through safe, private, and trauma-informed accommodation. The refuge will also strengthen the Great Southern's response to family and domestic violence by increasing access to culturally appropriate support and enhancing local service capacity.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The Albany Refuge project demonstrates the Cook Labor Government's commitment to increasing crisis accommodation capacity in the Great Southern while strengthening the support available to women and children in the region escaping violence.
"The completion of stage one is an important milestone and will provide victim-survivors with a safe place to stay, access support services and begin rebuilding their lives free from violence.
"Our government is committed to increasing the availability of crisis accommodation across Western Australia, particularly in regional communities where access to specialist services can be more limited.
"I want to acknowledge Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA for their ongoing dedication to ensuring the safety of people impacted by family and domestic violence and for their partnership in delivering this important service for the Great Southern community."
As stated by Samantha Rowe MLC:
"The Albany Refuge is an important step forward in making sure victim-survivors of family and domestic violence have a safe place to turn.
"With stage one now complete, women and children escaping violence will have access to the safety, support and services they need to begin rebuilding their lives.
"I want to thank Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA for the enormous amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes to bring this refuge to life. Their commitment to supporting women and children and making the Great Southern a safer place for everyone is making a real difference in our community."
Comments attributed Anglicare WA chief operating officer Philippa Boldy:
"Responding to family and domestic violence requires a co-ordinated, place-based approach that supports victim-survivors to feel safe, rebuild their lives, and recover in ways that are meaningful to them.
"We are so pleased to see the expansion of the Albany Women's Centre into this new location through our partnership with Southern Aboriginal Corporation.
"The new accommodation will strengthen the Great Southern's capacity to deliver person-centred support to those impacted by family and domestic violence."
As stated by Southern Aboriginal Corporation CEO Asha Bhat OAM:
"The completion of the Albany Safe Places emergency accommodation is an important milestone for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in the Great Southern.
"For a mother leaving violence, having somewhere safe to take her children can make all the difference. This refuge represents safety, dignity and the opportunity to begin rebuilding their lives.
"As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, Southern Aboriginal Corporation understands the importance of culturally safe support, where women and children feel welcome, respected and heard.
"We are proud to have helped bring this project to life alongside our partner Anglicare WA, which will operate the refuge. We thank the Australian and Western Australian Governments for their support. Every woman and child deserves to live free from violence."
