The McGowan Government's $4 million construction project to expand the accommodation and service capacity of the new women's refuges in Peel and Kwinana has commenced.
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk today announced that the contract to deliver the works has been awarded to Western Australian company Pindan Projects.
The refuge expansions, which were funded as part of the WA Recovery Plan, will double the current capacity of both refuges, with six additional accommodation units to be built at each site.
They were announced as part of a $28.1 million support package for victims of family and domestic violence in July to assist community service providers in continuing to respond to violence impacting women, children and families in the context of COVID-19.
The refuge expansion project is also contributing to economic recovery in regional areas through infrastructure-driven job creation.
Earthworks for the expansion project commenced at both sites in December 2020 and further in-ground services and concrete slab pours have now been finished. Expansion works are expected to be completed by August this year, with service delivery to commence immediately afterwards to support women and children on their healing journeys.
The establishment of the two new refuges is part of the McGowan Government's Stopping Family and Domestic Violence Policy - a comprehensive package of reforms committed to in 2017 to break the cycle of family and domestic violence.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
"The new Warlang Bidi and Andrea Mia refuges are already making a significant difference to the lives of women and children who have been forced to leave their homes to escape violence and are in need of safe accommodation, support and services that can help them get their lives back on track.
"Family and domestic violence affects Western Australians of all backgrounds, with devastating effects on victims, their families and communities.
"The Kwinana women's refuge will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be staffed at all times to provide timely support and culturally safe services to clients.
"The two women's refuges will deliver commitments made by the McGowan Government and, crucially, meet the needs of women and their children fleeing family and domestic violence all year round."
