- Newly expanded Goldfields Women's Refuge has opened in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
- The refuge's crisis accommodation capacity has doubled from 6 to 12 units to support more women and children escaping family and domestic violence
- Announcement comes during the State Government's 16 Days in WA campaign
The newly expanded Goldfields Women's Refuge has been officially opened in Kalgoorlie-Boulder by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton.
The refuge, built in 1979 and known as Finlayson House, has undergone significant expansion works to double its crisis accommodation capacity, bringing the number of units available for women and children escaping family and domestic violence from 6 to 12.
The expansion includes the construction of a two-storey crisis care complex, with six self-contained units for individuals or families.
Importantly, the expanded layout provides a trauma-informed space to ensure that women and children escaping domestic violence situations can be supported in a way that provides privacy, dignity and comfort.
Each unit features a private kitchen and bathroom, offering a more private and supportive environment to help victim-survivors heal emotionally.
The Cook Government provided $453,648 in capital grant funding to the Goldfields Women's Refuge Association.
Further funding was provided by Lotterywest, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and by Goldfields mining businesses.
The announcement comes during the State Government's 16 Days in WA campaign to end family and domestic violence.
The theme for 2024 is "Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part", which encourages everyone to consider what they can do to help stop violence before it starts.
People experiencing family and domestic violence can call the Women's Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339, Men's Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 000 599 or the national helpline 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting initiatives that keep victim-survivors of family and domestic violence safe, and hold perpetrators accountable.
"The newly expanded Goldfields Women's Refuge will provide a safe space for more women and their children who have had to leave their homes to escape family and domestic violence.
"This new development will allow victim-survivors to live in safety, privacy and dignity while they reclaim their lives and start to build a new future for themselves.
"I would like to acknowledge the commitment and advocacy shown by the Goldfields Women's Refuge, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, local service providers, local businesses and community leaders."
Comments attributed to Goldfields MLA Ali Kent:
"I'm so delighted to see this project reach completion, doubling the capacity of the Goldfields Women's Refuge.
"While I hope that one day places like this will no longer be needed because violence is preventable, I am heartened that there are wonderful services like this supporting victim-survivors.
"In particular, I would like to give a shout-out to Kasey Venter - this project has been a labour of love for her from the early days through to the today's opening."
