WA State Govt. Commits $6.9M to SAFE Places Project

We welcome announcement by Jessica Stojkovski MLA of a $6.9 million investment to deliver Stage Two of Great Southern SAFE Places Emergency Accommodation – a collaborative project between Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) and Anglicare WA.

This funding marks a major milestone in ensuring women and children experiencing family and domestic violence can access the safety, dignity and cultural care they deserve.

For many years, the Great Southern has faced a critical shortage of crisis accommodation. Too many women have had to choose between unsafe environments, unsuitable communal facilities or leaving their community altogether. This investment changes that reality.

Stage Two will deliver six self-contained units for single women, as well as healing spaces, landscaping and site infrastructure.

The operational model for SAFE Places will be led by Anglicare WA Great Southern – an organisation with deep expertise in trauma-informed practice and crisis support.

SAC has driven the concept, design and community engagement underpinning SAFE Places, ensuring the facility reflects Aboriginal cultural values, the voices of Elders and the lived experiences of local families. With full funding secured, we will now progress detailed design, regulatory approvals and tender processes so construction of Stage Two can begin as soon as possible.

We thank the Hon. Minister Jessica Stojkovski MLA and the State Government for their commitment to this lifechanging project, and acknowledge the Commonwealth Government’s earlier $4.3 million contribution to Stage One. This is an investment in safety, healing and long-term community resilience.

Today brings us closer to a future where every woman and child in the Great Southern has a safe place to go — and a community ready to support them.