- Pilbara Safe Spaces program to be established in Hedland and Newman
- Cook Government partnering with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, the resources sector and community stakeholders to deliver service
- Up to $22 million investment from BHP and Fortescue through the Resources Community Investment Initiative, plus $7.3 million in State Government funding
A vital early intervention initiative providing vulnerable Pilbara youth with access to a safe space at night will soon be established in Hedland and Newman.
Announced today, the Cook Labor Government will establish the Pilbara Safe Spaces program - an initiative codesigned with locally based Aboriginal Community Control Organisations (ACCO) to support at-risk young people and divert them away from antisocial behaviour.
Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation will run the service in Hedland, while Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Aboriginal Corporation will establish Safe Spaces in Newman.
Resources companies BHP and Fortescue have jointly committed up to $22 million through the Resources Community Investment Initiative for the Safe Spaces program to operate over five years, commencing in mid-2025.
The Cook Government has also set aside $7.3 million in the most recent State Budget to support Pilbara Safe Spaces, recognising the importance of supporting at-risk young people.
This will include the establishment of the Indigenous Healing Service in Newman, a child-focused trauma recovery service informed by traditional and local Aboriginal healing practices.
The Pilbara Development Commission is also supporting the establishment of the Safe Spaces program in partnership with the Department of Communities and locally based ACCOs.
The program will be delivered in line with WA's Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy, Aboriginal Procurement Policy, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is proud to launch the Pilbara Safe Spaces program, a much-needed early-intervention initiative which invests in children and young people in the Pilbara.
"Children shouldn't be alone on the streets at night and this service will ensure they can get the support they need, diverting vulnerable young people away from antisocial behaviour and the justice system.
"I would like to acknowledge BHP and Fortescue's important contribution to this project through the Resources Community Investment Initiative, which will help to keep children and young people safe - a priority for my Government."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Pilbara Safe Spaces program seeks to fill a gap in Government and community efforts to keep young people in Newman and Hedland safe.
"Each Safe Space location will have a tailored program co-designed by locally based ACCOs, Elders and community members to respond to vulnerable children and young people.
"By providing a safe location for young children and youth at night, it will be easier to divert them from antisocial behaviour and engage them with other wraparound services which aim to improve their future outcomes.
"I would like to acknowledge the leadership and input from the Pilbara Development Commission on this project, working in partnership with the Department of Communities, Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Aboriginal Corporation and the resources sector in working together to bring this critical place-based service to fruition."
As stated by Community Services Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to investing in early intervention and prevention to ensure we're doing everything we can to keep children and young people safe and supported.
"The Pilbara Safe Spaces program will provide a safe space where children and young people can feel comfortable, safe and supported.
"It will include follow up family support and ongoing case management to address the needs of vulnerable children and young people.
"We know that better outcomes are achieved for Indigenous children and families when they are supported by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and informed by local Aboriginal healing practices."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Thank you to BHP and Fortescue for partnering with the Cook Government, as well as Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation and Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Aboriginal Corporation to support vulnerable and at-risk young children in Newman and Port Hedland.
"The Pilbara Safe Spaces program will be vital for connecting our young people with a responsible adult to keep them safe from harm, as well as offering culturally responsive follow-up and outreach services such as family supports, life skills and encouraging participation in education and employment."
