24 November 2023

New refuge open for women escaping family and domestic violence

The Cook Government's new, purpose-built family and domestic violence women's refuge in the eastern suburbs has been officially opened by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton.

Named Koort Kulaark, which translates to "heart of our home" in Noongar language, the new refuge will accommodate up to 28 women at any one time and has been designed in consultation with a family and domestic violence specialist support provider. The name reflects the refuge's aim to provide a safe haven for women fleeing family and domestic violence.

The total State Government investment in the project has been $11 million, including $9.7 million in capital funding, which includes $8.7 million announced in 2021 and a further $1 million allocated in 2022. Lotterywest also contributed $1.3 million to the fit-out of the facility.

Lotterywest has also recently awarded a further $170,000 grant to Zonta House Refuge Association to continue providing emergency relief and crisis support to women experiencing family and domestic violence across all their refuges.

Click here to read the full statement.