- $250,000 in grant funding for Orana House's SWitCH Centre
- Centre offers a range of supports for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence
- 16 Days in WA runs from 25 November to 10 December to raise awareness of gender-based violence
The Cook Government has announced $250,000 in grant funding to support Orana House's SWitCH Centre for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
The Centre - located in the City of Bayswater - is a safe space where victim-survivors can access a range of services such as individual case management, access to legal and counselling services, and options for housing and independent living.
The funding builds on the recently announced $300,000 funding extension for Orana House to continue its Housing Families Project, which helps victim-survivors access safe and affordable accommodation through the private rental market.
The announcement has been made as part of the State Government's 16 Days in WA campaign to end family and domestic violence.
This year's theme is 'Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part', which highlights that everyone has a role to play in ending family and domestic violence.
The State Government has invested more than $470 million towards the prevention of family and domestic violence, including $96.4 million as part of the 2024-25 State Budget.
For more information on 16 Days in WA, visit 16days.wa.gov.au .
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government's highest priority is keeping victim-survivors of family and domestic violence safe, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
"I've visited Orana House and seen firsthand the vital role they play in ensuring victim-survivors have access to the supports and care they need.
"I want to encourage all Western Australians to consider what role they can play in stopping violence before it starts during this year's 16 Days in WA campaign.
"Our Government will continue to play our part by supporting initiatives that prioritise the needs of victim-survivors."
As stated by Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Supporting women and children experiencing family and domestic violence is a whole-of-community responsibility and I thank Orana House for their important work in this space.
"Transitional housing is vital - it helps women and children leave dangerous environments by providing a safe place for them to go.
"What's great about Orana House is that through the SWitCH program they provide supports including legal support, counseling and education."
As stated by Orana House General Manager Mel Rowe:
"We created SWitCH in 2021 because we could see there was an unmet and growing need for early intervention, response, recovery and healing.
"After four years of delivering our wraparound outreach services here, we're delighted - and relieved - by this funding announcement.
"During this time, so many women, children and young people have come to us and switched the course of family and domestic violence for themselves and for future generations.
"We're immensely grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this significant turning point, to grow our services even further. We are led by our clients, by their knowledge, their experience and their goals. Our services are free and they are not at all time limited.
"This is our point of difference, because we know that it takes time to truly break a cycle once and for all."
