- East Metropolitan Women’s Refuge awarded a $1.3 million Lotterywest grant to assist with fit-out of the facility
- Construction of the refuge 80 per cent complete and on track to finish later this year
- Refuge will support women escaping family and domestic violence with 24/7 on-site support and wraparound services, including specialist wellbeing support
A new purpose-built women’s refuge in Perth’s east has received a boost of $1.3 million through a Lotterywest grant to assist with fitting out and furnishing the facility.
Construction of East Metropolitan Women’s Refuge is now 80 per cent complete and on track to be finished later this year.
Once complete, the facility will be able to accommodate up to 28 women across 10 crisis accommodation rooms, and supported transitional accommodation units for an additional 18.
It will also provide women with 24/7 on-site support and wraparound services, including access to specialist wellbeing services.
The $1.3 million Lotterywest grant builds on the State Government’s existing $9.7 million in capital funding, which includes $8.7 million announced in 2021 and a further $1 million allocated in 2022, taking total government investment in the project to $11 million.
Construction of the refuge is being led by Western Australian building company Swan Group, and Whitehaus Architects, another local company, was engaged to design the facility which includes environmentally sustainable, safe and culturally appropriate spaces.
Specialist family and domestic violence service provider Zonta House Refuge Association will manage the refuge once operational, bringing more than three decades of experience in operating family and domestic violence services.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
“This new purpose-built refuge will mean that women escaping violence can access a modern, safe and appropriate space while they start to heal and rebuild their lives.
“Swan Group and Whitehaus Architects, both local companies, have done a great job on the project so far and I’m really pleased to see construction is progressing well and on track.
“Zonta House Refuge Association have a strong track record of delivering refuge support services and supporting victim-survivors, so I’m confident this facility is going to make a huge difference to the lives of women once up and running.”
Comments attributed to Cannington MLA Bill Johnston:
“It’s great to see the construction of this critical infrastructure is almost complete and will soon be able to provide vital services to women in Perth’s eastern suburbs.
“I’m proud to be part of a Government that continues to invest in contemporary facilities for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.”
Comments attributed to Zonta House CEO Kelda Oppermann:
“Zonta House are pleased at the progress and seeing this shared vision come to fruition. Victim/survivors escaping violence and abuse should have access to safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces. We know the difference a physical environment can have on health and wellbeing.
“This refuge will nurture connection, dignity and provide a space where victim/survivors can start healing and move towards a life free from violence and abuse. We are appreciative of the support from the Department in this purpose build and the partnership approach in design and construction.
“Our thanks to Lotterywest for enabling us to complete this vision and fit-out of the premises. We look forward to construction completion and opening the service over the coming months.”
