- Palmerston Association, in partnership with Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation, awarded contract to deliver women's refuge in the Central Great Southern for family and domestic violence victim-survivors
- The refuge is one of 24 priority projects being funded by the Early Years Partnership between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, and The Kids Research Institute Australia
- Cook Government committed $3 million to support the operation of the refuge
A women's refuge for family and domestic violence victim-survivors in the Central Great Southern is one step closer, with the contract to deliver the service awarded to Palmerston Association, in partnership with Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation.
The Katanning Women's Refuge, which will provide safe accommodation for victim-survivors to start healing from the trauma of family and domestic violence, is one of 24 priority projects identified under the Early Years Partnership (EYP).
The EYP is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, and the Kids Research Institute Australia which aims to improve the development, health and learning of children aged 0-4 years old across its partner communities of Armadale, Central Great Southern, Derby and Bidyadanga.
The need for a refuge service in Katanning was identified by the Central Great Southern Community in their Early Years Community Plan, Koort Boodja Moortabin (Children Growing Strong), which listed family safety as one of five priorities.
The Cook Government has committed $3 million to support the operation of the refuge, which will accommodate up to five victim-survivors with or without accompanying children. A further $1.7 million has been committed for a new homelessness case management and outreach service in the region.
Minderoo Foundation is investing an additional $1.9 million into perpetrator intervention and behaviour change programs in the Central Great Southern region.
These programs will aim to improve family safety by working directly with individuals and the local community to address the root causes of violent behaviour, promote accountability, and support the development of respectful relationships.
Established in 1980, Western Australia-based Palmerston Association has a long history as a provider of alcohol and other drugs, mental health, health and wellbeing services that improve lives.
As stated by Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
"Katanning Women's Refuge will enable victim-survivors to have the safety and privacy they need to heal and recover.
"Katanning Women's Refuge is another great example of an initiative under the Early Years Partnership that is community-led, responding to a critical need in the Central Great Southern region."
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence across Western Australia is a priority of the Cook Labor Government.
"The Katanning Women's Refuge will provide a safe space for more victim survivors who have had to leave their homes to escape family and domestic violence.
"Importantly, this new facility will give victim-survivors the safety and access to the services they need to begin re-establishing their lives.
"This is another fantastic example of what can be achieved through the Early Years Partnership, which is about enabling communities to lead their own development based on their unique needs.
"I look forward to working collaboratively with Palmerston Association and Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation to support victim-survivors of family domestic violence in Katanning."
As stated by Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman:
"Minderoo is committed to ensuring all children in Australia reach their full potential in thriving communities where safety from family and domestic violence is a fundamental right.
"Minderoo backs local leaders to identify and develop the services and solutions their communities need to thrive.
"Establishing the Katanning Women's Refuge was identified as a high-priority project by the local community through the Early Years Partnership, and Minderoo fully supports this community-led effort to bring victim-survivors the care and support they need."
