The Kununurra Youth Night Space has begun operating this month at an interim location, providing a safe place for street-present young people in the East Kimberley town.
The WA Government invested $5.9 million via the Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy (KJJS) to support a safer Kununurra community by establishing the Night Space.
The interim Night Space will be based at the premises of Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation (KWAC), which is providing the service.
The Button Drive site will be used until refurbishment works are completed at the permanent location on Ivanhoe Road.
The Night Space will provide refuge, food and activities for young people between 10.00 pm and 4.00 am.
It will be strictly non-residential and time limited, with young people transported by vehicle to and from the premises, minimising any potential disruption to the neighbourhood.
The Department is in ongoing discussions with local government about planning and operational requirements for the permanent site.
"In establishing this service, the Department of Justice and KWAC have consulted with local stakeholders including WA Police, Traditional Owners and young people," Acting Director General Brad Royce said.
"This follows the successful introduction of KJJS-funded night spaces and youth services in other Kimberley towns to reduce young people's contact with the justice system and make communities safer," Mr Royce said.
The Kununurra Youth Night Space will be similar in function to Broome's Ngurra Buru service, which has contributed to fall in crime rates since it began operating.
"After 12 months of community-led co-design and detailed implementation planning, we are incredibly excited to bring the KYNS model to life for Kununurra's young people, families and the wider community," KWAC Chief Executive Adrian McCann said.
"It builds on the trusted relationships local staff already have with young people, families, WA Police, KJJS and other services," Mr McCann said.
