- New refuge in Perth's north to accommodate victim-survivors of family and domestic violence during redevelopment of Stirling Women's Centre
- Clients relocated to refurbished facility with work underway on purpose-built refuge combining self-contained accommodation and support services
- $22.6 million towards the redevelopment and expansion project part of Cook Government's commitment to building safe and inclusive communities
A temporary refuge in Perth's northern suburbs has opened to ensure women and children escaping family and domestic violence continue to have a safe place to go during the redevelopment of the Stirling Women's Centre.
The Cook Government has committed $22.6 million to redevelop and expand the Stirling Women's Centre, which has operated as a women's refuge under City of Stirling management for nearly 50 years.
Existing clients have been relocated to a refurbished State-owned property to allow for the demolition of the ageing facility and construction of the new purpose-built refuge, which is expected to take two years.
The relocation is an important milestone for the redevelopment project which, when completed, will assist more women and children escaping family and domestic violence, significantly increasing the capacity of the centre from five rooms in a shared facility to 16 new modern, independent units.
The building design of the Stirling Women's Centre is being led by architectural firm Whitehaus and utilises a 'core and cluster' model which combines self-contained accommodation with access to on-site support services, incorporating diverse community needs.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The redevelopment of the Stirling Women's Centre will significantly increase family and domestic violence accommodation capacity in Perth's northern suburbs.
"Throughout the redevelopment phase, women and children must have a safe haven - a place to breathe, recover and rebuild."
As stated by Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
"Our government is delivering a record spend to accelerate the supply of social and affordable housing, while also making substantial investments in crisis and emergency accommodation.
"The opening of this temporary refuge will provide a safe place for women and children escaping violence while we get on with the job of redeveloping the Stirling Women's Centre."
As stated by Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey:
"Opening a temporary refuge in my electorate will ensure women and children escaping violence in the northern suburbs will have a safe place to go while the redevelopment and expansion to the Stirling Women's Centre takes place.
"As there is a clear need for accessible services for people in my community, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister and City of Stirling to strengthen support systems, improve outcomes and better protect our community from the devastating effects of family and domestic violence."
As stated by Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The redevelopment of the Stirling Women's Centre is much needed and will significantly increase the capacity from five rooms to 16 new independent units.
"I am pleased the women and children will continue to have a safe place to seek refuge while the redevelopment is taking place."
As stated by City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin:
"We are grateful to the WA Government for investing strongly in the safety of women and children in our community and for opening a temporary refuge so we can continue providing a safe space during the redevelopment phase.
"The redevelopment will triple the capacity of the Stirling Women's Centre, giving more women and children access to crisis accommodation, expert help, and support services."
