- Cook Government invests $6.9 million to increase family and domestic crisis accommodation in Albany
- Stage two of the Albany refuge being delivered by Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA
- Announced during 16 Days in WA campaign to end family and domestic violence
- Part of Cook Government's commitment to ensuring all Western Australians feel secure at home, at work, and in the community
The Cook Government is investing $6.9 million to increase crisis accommodation in Albany for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence.
Delivering on a state election commitment, the second stage of the new Albany refuge will be completed with six additional self-contained units to complete a 12-unit site design.
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski visited the site on the second day of the 16 Days in WA - Stop Violence Against Women campaign.
The first stage of the project, funded by the Commonwealth Government, is currently under construction, delivering the first six units and an administration building.
The investment will significantly enhance local family and domestic violence response capacity, increasing access to safe, secure, and culturally appropriate housing for victim-survivors across Albany and the Great Southern.
The new service is being delivered by Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA to provide a mix of units suitable for women with and without children, ensuring the facility can meet a wider range of client needs.
Once complete and operational, the facility is expected to support up to 166 women and children annually in safe, private, and trauma-informed accommodation.
The announcement comes during the State Government's 16 Days in WA campaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
The campaign theme for 2025 is 'Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part', which encourages everyone to take action to increase awareness, call out disrespectful behaviour, and help stop the cycle of violence.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The new Albany refuge will provide a safe space for more women and their families who have had to leave their homes to escape family and domestic violence.
"Importantly, this new facility will give victim-survivors the safety and privacy to begin rebuilding their lives.
"This investment is part of the Cook Government's powerful commitment to building safe and inclusive communities, ensuring all Western Australians feel secure at home, at work, and in the community.
"I want to thank the Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA for their continual dedication to ensuring the safety of those impacted by family and domestic violence."
As stated by Samantha Rowe MLC:
"I am proud to be part of a Cook Government that is taking real action to address family and domestic violence.
"The $6.9 million will create six new purpose-built units that will provide vital ongoing accommodation for victim-survivors, providing real opportunities and real outcomes for women and their families fleeing family and domestic violence.
"This refuge will not only provide immediate safety but also give women and children the chance to start fresh. It's an investment in healing and in the future of our community."
