- New Leonora Safe House officially opened to deliver crisis accommodation for victim-survivors escaping family and domestic violence in the northern Goldfields
- Cook Labor Government has committed $1.6 million to establish the service, complementing a range of family and domestic violence initiatives in the Goldfields
- Providing safe crisis accommodation part of commitment to build safe and inclusive communities
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski has opened a new safe house in Leonora which will deliver crucial crisis accommodation for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in the northern Goldfields.
The Leonora Safe House will provide culturally safe accommodation to support victim-survivors in times of crisis and help them plan for a safe and secure future without needing to leave their community, Country, or support networks.
The Cook Labor Government has committed $1.6 million to establish the service, following strong advocacy from the Shire of Leonora and local organisations.
Operated by specialist provider One Tree Community Services, the service will offer trauma informed, culturally respectful accommodation, and support tailored to the needs of women with or without children.
The Shire of Leonora secured funding and managed refurbishment works to ensure the facility is safe, welcoming, and fit for purpose.
The establishment of a safe house in Leonora complements a range of Cook Labor Government initiatives that aim to address family and domestic violence in the Goldfields.
These include a new Safe at Home program for Kalgoorlie-Boulder, a One Stop Hub, counselling and advocacy services, refuge and emergency accommodation, and the Goldfields Family and Domestic Violence Response Team.
This safe house takes the number of additional units for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence delivered by the State Government since 2017 to 95.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Family and domestic violence affects communities across Western Australia, but the challenges in regional and remote areas are often greater. Distance, isolation, and limited local services can make it incredibly difficult for women to seek help.
"The Leonora Safe Housemeans women and children no longerhave toleave their community, their support networks, or their Country to find safety.
"The Cook Labor Government remains committed to ensuring regional and remote communities have access to safe, high-quality family and domestic violence services as part of our commitment to safe and inclusive communities."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"This servicedemonstrates the importance of community-led solutions and strong partnerships between government, service providers, Aboriginal communities, and local organisations.
"I'm incredibly proud to be part of the Cook Labor Government that continues to prioritise victim-survivors experiencing family and domestic violence and other family members in need of crisis care."
