- Lotterywest funding of $997,396 presented to Southern Aboriginal Corporation towardscrisis accommodation for women and children in Albany
- Stage one of theGreat Southern Safe Places project willaccommodate up to six families seeking crisis accommodation
- Funding will go towards security and safety aspects of the fit-out, plus landscaping and furniture for the new facility
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton has presented a Lotterywest grant of nearly $1 million to the Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) for a new crisis accommodation facility for victim-survivors in Albany.
The Great Southern Safe Places project,which is being led by SAC,will support women and their children in times of crisis and help them make plans for a safe and secure future.
Stage one of the project will accommodate up to six families seeking crisis accommodation, and will include a communal space, administrative building, and outdoor spaces with gathering spaces and play equipment.
The funding of $997,396 will go towards security and safety aspects of the fit-out, plus landscaping and furniture for the new facility.
The Commonwealth Government has also committed capital funding to the Great Southern Safe Places project.
The funding contribution for safe accommodation initiatives is a key focus area aligned with the Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce's System Reform Plan, which provides a blueprint to ensure the needs of victim-survivors are prioritised across all services and supports.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"Supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence across Western Australia is the Cook Government's number one priority.
"The Great Southern Safe Places project will provide a safe space for more women and their children who have had to leave their homes to escape family and domestic violence.
"Importantly, this new facility will give victim-survivors the safety and privacy to begin rebuilding their lives.
"I want to thank the Southern Aboriginal Corporation for their continual dedication to ensuring the safety of those impacted by family and domestic violence."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"Family and domestic violence has no place in our community. This initiative will provide essential support to victim-survivors requiring security and safety in life-changing circumstances.
"I thank our local agencies, Anglicare and Southern Aboriginal Corporation, for putting victim-survivors first and stepping up to make this necessary service a reality."
As stated by Southern Aboriginal Corporation CEO Asha Bhat:
"We welcome this funding from Lotterywest, which will support us in providing essential crisis accommodation for women and children in the Great Southern.
"We look forward to offering a safe, culturally appropriate, family-centred space for those escaping domestic violence."
