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The Albanese Labor Government has committed $5.8 million for more women and children experiencing domestic and family violence to access emergency accommodation and support with the opening of a new Women’s and Children’s Centre in the Pilbara.

As part of the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program this funding has enabled the Salvation Army to expand its existing emergency accommodation and recovery centre to better meet demand in the community in north-west Western Australia.

The new facility will provide 14 new homes, consisting of a combination of two, three and four-bedroom units supporting families and single women, enhancing the flexibility and capacity of the centre to support women and children escaping violence.

The Salvation Army engaged with local community and First Nations leaders throughout the design process to create a purpose-built facility that not only increases capacity but also meets the unique cultural needs of those seeking to access support.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said that Safe Places is an important pillar of the Federal Government’s work to improve supports and responses for people experiencing family and domestic violence.

“By investing in new and expanded emergency accommodation across Australia, including in regional and remote communities, we are ensuring women and children experiencing violence have a safe place to go where they can connect with the supports they need,” Minister Rishworth said.

“We are proud to have supported The Salvation Army’s new and enhanced centre, which will provide an important nexus of refuge, recovery and healing for victim-survivors in the Pilbara.”

Senator for Western Australia Varun Ghosh will today visit the new facility and said the Salvation Army’s new Women’s and Children’s Centre will provide much needed emergency accommodation services for those experiencing family and domestic violence.

“The expansion of the Salvation Army’s emergency accommodation and recovery centre will provide more women and children access to the support they need as they take early steps to a safe new life for them and their children away from family and domestic violence,” Senator Ghosh said.

Western Australian Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said the Cook Labor Government was committed to working with the Federal Government to provide safe spaces for women escaping violence.

“The Salvation Army’s new centre will provide vital support for victim-survivors in the Pilbara, ensuring they have a safe space to rebuild their lives,” Minister Winton said.

“I am proud that this announcement is being made during the 16 Days in WA campaign, which aims to prevent gender-based violence.”

The design, art, and landscaping of the centre will all play a significant role in providing an environment that aids recovery and healing.

The Salvation Army’s General Manager of the Family Violence Stream Lorrinda Hamilton said emergency accommodation and access to critical services was vitally important.

“We are excited for the possibilities that this new facility presents not only in terms of supporting more women and children but with an expanded provision of specialist family violence services through a therapeutic and culturally sensitive model of service,” Lorrinda Hamilton said.

The Albanese Labor Government has invested $172.6 million in the Safe Places program under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

The program funds the renovation, building or purchase of new crisis or emergency accommodation to support women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. More than 4900 women and children across Australia are currently supported each year by the work of Safe Places, with temporary housing.

Information on the Safe Places program is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.