- Request for tender issued for the delivery of a new safe house in Leonora for women and children escaping family and domestic violence
- The new facility will provide culturally-safe emergency accommodation to support victim-survivors in times of crisis
- The Cook Government committed $1.7 million in the 2024-2025 State Budget towards service delivery
A new safe house in Leonora is a step closer to opening its doors to women and children escaping family and domestic violence, with a request for tender issued for eligible organisations to deliver the service.
The service will provide culturally-safe emergency accommodation to support victim-survivors and help them plan for a safe and secure future.
The Cook Government committed $1.7 million in the 2024-25 State Budget towards the operation of the service.
Extensive community consultation was undertaken with local community representatives including the Shire of Leonora, community leaders, local service providers and police to identify an appropriate location and service model.
The new safe house complements a range of State Government initiatives that aim to address family and domestic violence in the Goldfields.
This includes a One Stop Hub, counselling and advocacy services, refuge and emergency accommodation, and the Goldfields Family and Domestic Violence Response Team.
More information on the tender process can be found here .
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
"This is an important milestone towards the new safe house, which will provide an important service for more Goldfields victim-survivors who have had to leave their homes to escape family violence.
"I would like to acknowledge the advocacy and commitment shown by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent, the Shire of Leonora, Nyunngaku Women's Group, local service providers, and members of the community.
"Our Government will continue to work hard to prevent this scourge on our society."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"This tender is a vital step in ensuring victim-survivors experiencing family and domestic violence in Leonora have a safe place to go.
"The Leonora community have strongly advocated for this service, and I'm pleased that it is now a step closer to being delivered.
"Importantly, this project delivers one of the key areas identified in the Shire's 'Safer Leonora Plan', regarding opportunity for crisis care accommodation for women and children.
"I am proud to be part of a State Government that prioritises the needs of victim-survivors."
