The State Government, through the Department of Communities, will lease four dwellings in Derby to Marnin Bowa Dumbara Aboriginal Corporation so that the organisation can relocate its family and domestic violence refuge.
The dwellings will provide accommodation for women with and without children escaping or at risk of family and domestic violence.
Marnin Bowa Dumbara Corporation will be required to make the dwellings fit for purpose for a refuge with works including fencing, gating, enclosed verandahs and security.
The current Government-owned refuge site will be repurposed.
Delivery of this initiative is being guided by the State Government's long-term strategy to address family and domestic violence across Western Australia, Path to Safety: Western Australia's strategy to reduce family and domestic violence 2020-2030.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
"The McGowan Government is pleased that four vacant dwellings in Derby can be repurposed for use by the Marnin Bowa Dumbara Aboriginal Corporation as a family and domestic violence refuge.
"This is a great example of the benefits that come from having a Department of Communities, where housing assets that are underutilised can be repurposed to support other portfolio priorities."
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
"Family and domestic violence is an awful reality for too many women and children across Western Australia.
"This is emphasised by the tragic fact that 63 per cent of assaults in Western Australia in 2019 were family and domestic violence-related.
"The upgrades to these four dwellings in Derby will give residents and staff a fit-for-purpose environment in which to live and work."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
"It is important that vulnerable people in the Kimberley have the best possible accommodation to suit their needs.
"Improving these facilities in the region has been a focus of the McGowan Government and I am pleased to see Derby now benefiting."
