Great Southern Safe Spaces receives nearly $1m from Lotterywest to provide FDV crisis accommodation

A new crisis accommodation facility for survivors of domestic violence has received a grant of nearly $1 million from Lotterywest to accommodate up to six families in the Great Southern. Led by Southern Aboriginal Corporation, the Great Southern Safe Places project has received $997,396 to fund the security and safety aspects of the new Albany accommodation, as well as landscaping and furniture. Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Sabine Winton presented the funding to Southern Aboriginal Corporation on Thursday. The new facility will accommodate up to six families during crises and assist them in making plans for a safe and secure future. It will feature an administration building, communal space, and outdoor spaces with gathering areas and play equipment for children. Ms Winton said supporting survivors of family and domestic violence across WA is a “number one priority” of the State Government. “The Great Southern Safe Places project will provide a safe space for more women and their children who have had to leave their homes to escape family and domestic violence,” she said. “Importantly, this new facility will give victim-survivors the safety and privacy to begin rebuilding their lives. “I want to thank the Southern Aboriginal Corporation for their continual dedication to ensuring the safety of those impacted by family and domestic violence.” The Federal Government has also committed capital funding to the project. Southern Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Asha Bhat welcomed the funding and said it would support the project in providing essential crisis accommodation for women and children in the Great Southern. “We look forward to offering a safe, culturally appropriate, family-centred space for those escaping domestic violence,” she said. Rebecca Stephens MLA said family and domestic violence has “no place in our community”. “This initiative will provide essential support to victim-survivors requiring security and safety in life-changing circumstances,” Ms Stephens said. “I thank our local agencies, Anglicare and Southern Aboriginal Corporation, for putting victim-survivors first and stepping up to make this necessary service a reality.” If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.