I’ve been calling on you, and the community, to stand beside me as I advocate for a permanent refuge for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence in our area.

I am proud to say that with your support, WE DID IT!

The Cook Labor Government announced an $18.1 million commitment in the 2026-27 State Budget to fund a permanent 15 unit refuge in our community, to provide safe accommodation for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

The Innaloo facility is currently being used as a temporary refuge for up to five women and their children while the Stirling Women’s Refuge is being redeveloped and expanded.

Once both the Stirling Women's and Innaloo refuges are complete, refuge capacity in the northern corridor will have increased sixfold.

Following the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence visit to this site earlier this year, I identified an opportunity to make this refuge permanent.

In a few short weeks, almost 900 people signed my open letter, joining me in this call.

I’ve seen firsthand the impact of family and domestic violence across our community and this investment shows the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to building safe and inclusive communities.

Together we have ensured women and children in our community can access safe support close to home, when they need it most.

Thank you again for supporting this, my open letter, and thank you to those victim-survivors and their families who are personally impacted by family and domestic violence for coming forward and sharing their stories with me.

Premier Roger Cook, Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence - Jess Stojkovski, Mayor Mark Irwin and I visted the temporary refuge to announce the $18.1 million commitment.

I want to acknowledge the incredible dedication of the team at the Stirling Women’s refuge who have supported women and children fleeing Family and Domestic in our community for over 40 years. The City of Stirling remains the only local government in WA that runs a refuge for women and children fleeing family and domestic violence.

Family and Domestic Violence Support
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/family-and-domestic-violence

• In an emergency, or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police now on 000.
• Women's Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339
• Men's Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 000 599
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (for people aged 5-25)