Emergency domestic violence safe house for northern Goldfields town closer to reality as tender opens

Emergency accommodation for domestic violence victim-survivors in a northern Goldfields town is one step closer to reality as tenders open. Organisations are being asked to submit their tenders to deliver services at the new safe house in Leonora, 230km north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The safe house was a promise from the State Government, with $1.7 million committed to the project in the 2024-25 State Budget. Along with providing accommodation, the service will offer support for victims of domestic violence to help them plan for the future. With the nearest family and domestic violence service an hour’s drive away in Laverton, Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said the service would be important for the local community. “This tender is a vital step in ensuring victim-survivors experiencing family and domestic violence in Leonora have a safe place to go,” she said. “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.” The tender process comes after community consultation, with more than two dozen stakeholders taking part in talks in August to discuss services the safe house would provide. Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said the government was 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,” she said. “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.” More information on the tender process can be found on the WA Government website. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)