Goldfields Women’s Refuge

The existing women’s refuge was originally established in 1979, to provide safe, short term, 24-hour crisis accommodation and support for women, with or without children (under the age of 18), who are escaping domestic violence, homelessness and other related crises. The Department of Communities funds the operational costs of the GWR.

The refuge operates on a 24-hours a day, seven days a week basis that has monitored surveillance over six bedrooms and a shared living configuration up to 19 people. Rooms can be allocated to families or allocated to a collective of single persons. All external and communal areas of the property are under 24-hour monitored surveillance to ensure the safety of both residents and staff.

In 2010, a Domestic Violence Outreach service was established to assist, support and engage any women, with or without children, who are experiencing Family Domestic Violence within the Goldfields region. In January 2021, further funding was obtained to establish a Mobile Domestic Violence Service, allowing a professional support system to be integrated into families dealing with Family Domestic Violence within the Goldfields region.

Unfortunately, domestic violence in an ever-increasing problem globally and the demand for crisis accommodation has increased significantly with a problematic shortfall in the Goldfields. Each and every day GWR regrettably turn women and children away due to lack of beds yet women continue to sleep outside of the facility in sheer desperation to escape their situation. With that in mind we are now urgently requiring additional capacity to accommodate some of this shortfall whilst enhancing both the quality of life and amenity for Goldfields families living with domestic violence.

We have prepared concept plans for the development and estimate, just under $3 million dollars to design and construct the additional 48 beds at the rear of the existing refuge. The development will be part of a multistage project with an upgrade to the existing facility planned should surplus funds be available.

To keep up with the demand for crisis accommodation we are seeking social contribution from both mining and private businesses as the sole source for funding for this development. It should be known that the GWR holds a registered charity licence, and all donations are tax deductable. Any contributions are appreciated, and all donors will be recognised in some way (yet to be determined). We ask that the community pull together in any capacity to assist us in our capital raise for this well needed community project.