Target 120 Albany transitions to Aboriginal leadership

Community Services Minister Simone McGurk has today announced Gorenang Moortabiin Aboriginal Engagement and Community Development as the successful grant recipient to lead delivery of the renewed Target 120 program in Albany.

 

The Great Southern-based program for at-risk young people aged between 10 to 14 years and their families recently commenced after Gorenang Moortabiin was awarded the $587,000 grant to deliver the program until June 30, 2023.

 

The transition of the Great Southern site to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) control follows similar changes in Target 120’s East Kimberley site, which is run by local ACCO MG Corporation. Both sites were initially led by the Department of Communities.

 

The Target 120 intervention program works to connect at-risk young people with services that meet their individual needs while also supporting their family members.

 

Gorenang Moortabiin will implement a culturally informed service model designed to address the over-representation of Aboriginal young people among those in contact with the youth justice system in the area.

 

Under the guidance of a Community Youth Officer, Gorenang Moortabiin will work to support Target 120 participants and their families and develop their capacity to reduce offending behaviours and engagements with the criminal justice system.

 

Other Target 120 pilot programs across Western Australia have already been linked to better outcomes for participants and their families.

 

They have also helped create safer and more connected communities by addressing factors that increase a young person’s likelihood of offending and antisocial behaviour, including substance abuse, family and domestic violence, trauma and mental health issues.

 

The program currently has 54 active participants across the State. Of these, 50 per cent have not had further contact with police since joining the program.

 

More than $21 million has now been invested in the Target 120 program which was launched by the McGowan Government in 2017 to support better outcomes for at-risk youth.

 

“Target 120 is a practical program helping young offenders at risk of further interactions with the justice system to create an alternative path for themselves, and has had encouraging results in its first few years.

 

“By prioritising early intervention over enforcement measures, we know this program can improve outcomes – not only for the children and families participating, but for the communities they live in too.

 

“The McGowan Government is proud of the work that Target 120 is doing to reduce the risk of reoffending in regional Western Australia.

 

“I congratulate Gorenang Moortabiin Aboriginal Engagement and Community Development for securing the grant to deliver Target 120 in the Great Southern and look forward to supporting their work to deliver this important program.” said Minister for Community Services Simone McGurk.

 

“Target 120 is an important investment in the future of at-risk young people in Albany, as well as the broader Great Southern community that they live in.

 

“The transition of the Albany site to being led by a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation is the next step in ensuring this program can make a significant positive difference to the lives of local young people and families.” said Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens.

 

McGowan Government delivers expanded Peel therapeutic refuge

The McGowan Government has delivered on its commitment to double accommodation capacity at the Warlang Bidi women’s refuge in Peel.

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk today officially opened and toured the $2 million refuge expansion which was funded through the WA Recovery Plan to provide additional support for women and children fleeing family and domestic violence through the COVID-19 pandemic.

As well as providing accommodation for women and children escaping family and domestic violence, the Warlang Bidi refuge delivers co-ordinated and tailored services for women who may be experiencing mental health concerns or harm from alcohol and other drugs.

It is the first therapeutic refuge of its kind in Western Australia and has operated at full capacity since it opened in November last year. Warlang Bidi means ‘healthy path’ in Noongar language, reflecting the aim to support women through their healing journey.

The Warlang Bidi expansion not only increases the family and domestic violence accommodation capacity in WA, it enhances support to the sector which has seen increased demand for services since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The expansion has successfully increased the number of accommodation units at the refuge to 12 – up from six units. This significantly increases the accommodation capacity for women and children experiencing or at risk of family and domestic violence in the region.

The project was prioritised as part of the WA Recovery Plan which is helping to drive WA’s economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and has created jobs across the State.

The Warlang Bidi refuge expansion has been supported by service provider OVIS Community Services which operates the refuge in partnership with Peel-based trauma counselling specialist Allambee Counselling.

The women’s refuge expansion is also part of the State Government’s Path to Safety: Western Australia’s Strategy to Reduce Family and Domestic Violence 2020-2030 which sets out a whole-of-government and community plan for reducing and responding to family and domestic violence over the next decade.

The launch of the Warlang Bidi refuge expansion coincides with day eight of the State Government’s fifth annual 16 Days in WA campaign to stop violence against women and their families.

The 16 Days in WA campaign promotes community awareness and challenges views that can prevent survivors from seeking help or assistance. It also seeks to put an end to behaviours that allow victim blaming to occur.

More information on the 16 Days in WA campaign, which has a theme of ‘Don’t be silent when you see violence’ in 2021, is available online.

 

“Family and domestic violence is never acceptable, but it is a significant issue across Western Australia.

 

“Warlang Bidi is the first refuge in WA to deliver a therapeutic service model, addressing a critical service gap for the family and domestic violence sector.

 

“In doubling the refuge’s accommodation capacity, we are enabling more women escaping violence to access the specialist services on offer at this innovative facility, which helps to improve residents’ wellbeing and build their capability and resilience.

 

“The theme for this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign is ‘don’t be silent when you see violence’, encouraging Western Australians to speak up when they see disrespectful behaviour towards women to help stop violence before it starts.” said Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk.

 

“Warlang Bidi is providing a vital service in the Peel community and the additional accommodation capacity will help to support more women and children in need.

 

“Family and domestic violence is an unacceptable reality for too many Western Australian women and children, and the State Government continues to invest in additional supports.

 

“Crucially, the therapeutic model ensures that the Peel refuge’s residents are helped with co-existing issues such as mental health and drug and alcohol support, to help them heal and get their lives back on track.” said Mandurah MLA David Templeman.

Respectful Relationships to promote equality in additional schools

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk has today visited Kinross Primary School to highlight the delivery of the Respectful Relationships Teaching Support Program in Western Australian schools, during the State Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign to prevent family and domestic violence.

The program is open to all public schools in WA. School leaders and staff are given the tools and knowledge to support students in building future relationships that are non-violent and characterised by equality, mutual respect and trust.

The program is delivered by Starick Services, a local organisation that is recognised in the field of family and domestic violence.

The Respectful Relationships pilot was launched in 2019 and backed by an initial State Government investment of $1 million. To date, 38 schools across the State have participated in the program.

The McGowan Government has committed $1.3 million to now expand this program into 12 additional schools in 2022.

In January, the State Government also committed to expanding respectful relationships education into sport and recreation clubs and organisations.

Early feedback on the program has reported overall improvement in participant knowledge, attitudes and confidence in teaching respectful relationships education.

The program is being independently evaluated.

Further information on the 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women campaign, including a campaign kit with a list of 16 ways to take action, is available online.

 

“The Respectful Relationships program empowers educators to assist their students with identifying respectful behaviours and traits as they go about forming friendships and building relationships.

 

“The State Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign, which is in its fifth year, encourages Western Australians to challenge disrespectful attitudes and behaviours that can lead to violence.

 

“Through the Respectful Relationships program, we are teaching WA students about healthy and positive relationships, and creating generational change to break the cycle of violence by stopping violence before it occurs.

 

“It was great to meet with students and staff members at Kinross Primary School and hear about their positive experiences with the program.” said Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk.

 

“The Respectful Relationships program supports educators in addressing issues such as violence and abuse and reinforces the role of schools in helping to shape positive, respectful relationships for children and young people.

 

“Every student deserves the right to feel safe and supported in their classrooms and school grounds.

 

“This program provides an interactive and evidenced-based resource for educators that encourages positive behaviours and mutual respect.” said Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery.

 

McGowan Government delivers expanded Kwinana refuge

The McGowan Government has delivered on its commitment to double accommodation capacity at the Andrea Mia Women’s Refuge in Kwinana.

 

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk today officially opened and toured the $2 million refuge expansion, which was funded through the WA Recovery Plan to provide additional support for women and children fleeing family and domestic violence through the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The building works completed this month have significantly increased the accommodation capacity of the refuge, enabling more women and children to safely escape circumstances of family and domestic violence. The Kwinana refuge had been operating with six accommodation units since it was opened by the McGowan Government late last year.

 

The project was prioritised as part of the WA Recovery Plan, which is helping to drive WA’s economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and has created jobs across the State.

 

The Andrea Mia Women’s Refuge expansion has been supported by service provider Lucy Saw Centre Association, which delivers services with a focus on support for women with disabilities, older women, women from Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and women with large families, including older boys.

 

A $100,000 Lotterywest grant that was awarded to the Lucy Saw Centre Association has supported the fit out and furnishing of the six additional units at the facility.

 

The women’s refuge expansion is also part of the State Government’s ‘Path to Safety: Western Australia’s Strategy to Reduce Family and Domestic Violence 2020-2030’, which  sets out a whole-of-government and community plan for reducing and responding to family and domestic violence over the next decade.

 

The launch of the Andrea Mia refuge expansion coincides with day two of the State Government’s fifth annual 16 Days in WA campaign to stop violence against women and their families.

 

The 16 Days in WA campaign promotes community awareness and challenges views that can prevent survivors from seeking help or assistance. It also seeks to put an end to behaviours that allow victim blaming to occur.

 

More information on the campaign, which has a theme of ‘Don’t be silent when you see violence’ in 2021, and the campaign kit with a list of 16 ways to take action is available online.

 

“Family and domestic violence is never acceptable, but it is a significant issue across Western Australia.

 

“The McGowan Government has prioritised projects to help keep at-risk women and children safe.

 

“The Andrea Mia Women’s Refuge operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides a safe space for survivors to break free from the cycle of violence and begin working to get their lives back on track.

 

“The Lucy Saw Centre Association delivers quality care to vulnerable women and children at a time of great need.

 

“The opening of the expanded Kwinana refuge comes as the 16 Days in WA campaign continues to gain momentum. When we raise the issue of violence against women and call for change, we can help to bring an end to violence against women.” said Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk.

 

New 16 Days in WA campaign: ‘Don’t be silent’ on violence

The McGowan Government has today launched its fifth annual 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women campaign, which urges Western Australians: ‘Don’t be silent when you see violence’.

 

The campaign encourages bystanders to speak up when they see violence or disrespect towards women, and aims to educate people on how they can safely challenge attitudes and behaviours that condone violence.

 

Alarmingly, one in five Australians believe domestic violence is a normal reaction to stress, and that a woman can make a man so angry he hits her without meaning to. One in three Australians believe that if a woman does not leave her abusive partner, she is responsible for the violence continuing. These attitudes must change.

 

The McGowan Government has today also announced the Kimberley region will be the location for its fourth one-stop family and domestic violence hub.

 

The hub model provides a range of specialist family and domestic violence and other community services in one location, prioritising ease of access for victims who are seeking help and support. By co-locating key support with other services, the hubs create a ‘soft’ entry point that also reduces the stigma often attached to seeking assistance.

 

Along with the new Armadale hub announced last month, the Kimberley hub will build on the success of existing facilities that opened in Mirrabooka and Kalgoorlie last year.

 

The Kimberley hub is part of a $60 million package of election commitments made by the McGowan Government. It will be designed to deliver a culturally appropriate service and reflect the needs of the regional community, which has a high rate of Aboriginal women experiencing family violence.

 

The State Government is also working with communities to develop an Aboriginal Family Safety Strategy, aiming to develop flexible and culturally-informed responses to working with family violence in Aboriginal communities.

 

16 Days in WA runs from today (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to December 10 (Human Rights Day). The campaign takes its inspiration from the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

 

For a campaign kit, including a list of 16 ways to take action, visit: https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/16DaysinWA

 

“Violence against women is never acceptable.

 

“We must challenge alarming attitudes towards violence in our community.

 

“We all have a part to play in this challenge – I’m urging all Western Australians to not be silent when you see violence.

 

“By speaking up we can together save lives and help break the cycle of violence.

 

“My Government is committed to keeping women and children safe and delivering initiatives to ensure help is readily available for those at risk, including our new Kimberley one-stop family and domestic violence hub.

 

“It was an honour to be joined by June Oscar AO, a much-loved and respected Aboriginal community leader from the Kimberley who has dedicated her life’s work to improving outcomes for her people, to announce additional support for her region.

 

“I encourage all Western Australians to wear something orange, attend a 16 Days in WA event and take action in their communities to help bring an end to violence against women.” said Premier Mark McGowan.

 

“Now in its fifth year, 16 Days in WA is an important campaign promoting the rights and safety of women and their children.

 

“Violence against women must be stopped, and each year this message is getting louder as community support for change grows.

 

“This year, we are calling on bystanders – people who may not have personally experienced the threat of violence at home – to speak up and challenge attitudes and behaviour that condone violence against women.

 

“If you see or hear women being degraded, disrespected or treated in an unacceptable way, take a stand and speak out or safely take action.

 

“The expansion of the one-stop hub model to the Kimberley and development of a standalone Aboriginal Family Safety Strategy further demonstrate the McGowan Government’s commitment to driving down the State’s high rates of family and domestic violence.

 

“As WA’s first dedicated Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, it is a great privilege to lead the 16 Days in WA campaign for a fifth year, and I urge all Western Australians to join together and reject violence against women in all its forms.” said Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk.

New Commissioner for Children and Young People appointed

Attorney General John Quigley is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacqueline McGowan-Jones to the office of Commissioner for Children and Young People.

 

Ms McGowan-Jones takes over from Mr Colin Pettit, who was appointed to the role in 2015.

 

Mr Pettit has been a strong advocate for Western Australia’s children and young people and for their rights to be heard on issues that are important to them.

 

During his term, Mr Pettit has consulted thousands of children and young people on issues including mental health, youth justice, out-of-home care and education and he has used these views to recommend to government where policies and services can be strengthened.

 

Mr Pettit initiated WA’s Speaking Out Survey, a triennial survey to monitor the wellbeing of children and young people across the State.

 

Ms McGowan-Jones is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Thirrili Ltd, an indigenous led and controlled organisation delivering critical supports and services to families and communities following a loss to suicide or other fatal traumatic incident.

 

Ms McGowan-Jones holds an Executive Masters of Public Administration from Curtin University.

 

The office of Commissioner is an independent statutory office which reports directly to the WA Parliament and is established under the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act 2006 to advocate for all WA children and young people under the age of 18.

 

“Ms McGowan-Jones brings a wealth of relevant experience to the office of Commissioner and I welcome her to the role.

 

“Prior to her current role with Thirrili Ltd, Ms McGowan-Jones held a number of senior positions including with the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Western Australian Departments of Education and Indigenous Affairs.

 

“Through her participation on a number of boards and committees Ms McGowan-Jones has also contributed to important bodies of work with a focus in the Aboriginal health and education sectors. She has previously contributed to the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People through membership of the Youth Justice Reference Group.

 

“I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of outgoing Commissioner Colin Pettit who has held the role since 2015 and leaves the office well positioned to address the challenges ahead.” said Attorney General John Quigley.

 

“Ms McGowan-Jones’ experience at senior levels of the public and community sectors, and in particular her significant work in the area of youth mental health, make her an ideal person to take up the important work of advocating for all children and young people in Western Australia.

 

“On top of her considerable experience across relevant fields, I welcome Ms McGowan-Jones’ appointment as WA’s first Aboriginal woman Commissioner for Children and Young People.

 

“I would also like to thank outgoing Commissioner Colin Pettit for his contribution and commitment to ensuring the voices of children and young people were heard by decision-makers during his time in the role.” said Minister for Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk.

 

$13 million household energy efficiency pilot program launched

Energy Minister Bill Johnston and Community Services Minister Simone McGurk today launched the Household Energy Efficiency Scheme pilot program at Anglicare’s Hardship Utility Grant Scheme service centre in Midland.

The program is designed to equip 10,000 of Western Australia’s most vulnerable people with the tools and knowledge to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their power bills.

Initial participants will include 50 Perth households and 30 from Port Hedland, with other locations to be identified in early 2022.

They will benefit from free household energy assessments, tailored energy efficiency coaching, and energy efficient kits that contain: LED globes, draught stoppers and clothes drying racks.

The four-year scheme will also replace low-efficiency appliances, such as refrigerators or box air-conditioners, for households in relevant circumstances.

The program is being delivered in partnership between non-government organisations, Synergy, Horizon Power and Energy Policy WA.

For more information, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/household-energy-efficiency-scheme

“The Household Energy Efficiency Scheme is an exciting initiative that builds on the McGowan Government’s previous relief measures to support Western Australians including the $600 Household Electricity Credit.

“The program will assist households to be more energy efficient, which will not only reduce energy costs, but also energy emissions.

“Learnings from the pilots will inform how we can drive more impact with our program funding and ultimately provide long-term relief to 10,000 households experiencing hardship.” said Energy Minister Bill Johnston.

“The Household Energy Efficiency Scheme seeks to identify and address some of the underlying factors that contribute to high household energy bills.

“It complements other relief measures supporting low-income families that are in need of a helping hand, such as the Hardship Utility Grants Scheme and the Energy Assistance Payment.

“In delivering practical measures like the Household Energy Efficiency Scheme, the McGowan Government is helping to deliver better long-term outcomes for some of the most vulnerable Western Australians.” said Community Services Minister Simone McGurk.

Aboriginal legal service sought to tackle family violence

The Western Australian Government is seeking an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation to provide a family violence prevention legal service in the Perth metropolitan area.

A tender process is underway for a service which provides culturally sensitive, legal and related services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are experiencing or recovering from family violence or sexual assault.

Services would include advice, representation and/or support concerning matters such as family law, child protection, housing and tenancy, credit and debt, and restraining orders.

The provider would also support and educate Aboriginal women to grow resilience through connection and yarning, develop healthy relationships and build strong and healthy communities.

The Department of Justice tender is limited to Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, in line with principles of self-determination and the Government’s Aboriginal procurement policies.

Other organisations may participate in the tender in partnership with Aboriginal-controlled counterparts.

The new service provider in Perth would start operating from July 2022 under a three-year contract.

Further information about this tender opportunity is available Display Tender DOJ202141090 (tenders.wa.gov.au)

“The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring Aboriginal women who have experienced domestic or sexual violence can access the supports they need to rebuild their lives.

“First Nations women and children who have experienced domestic or sexual violence require a multitude of intensive legal and related supports in a co-ordinated response that a family violence prevention legal service is uniquely placed to deliver.” said Attorney General John Quigley.

 

 “Aboriginal women are more than 30 times more likely to be hospitalised in Australia from family violence than non-Aboriginal women.

“While legal interventions can help keep women and children safe, education is a key driver to bring about cultural change, and family violence prevention legal services are well placed to deliver this critical assistance to First Nations women.” said Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk.

 “More than 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the metropolitan area accessed legal and related services from the current provider in 2020-21 so we know there’s a need for this important service.

“Community controlled services and initiatives are the foundation to healing our First Nations people impacted by trauma and violence, and building the community controlled sector is a priority reform under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.” said Minister for Aboriginal Stephen Dawson.

Lotterywest grant to support Fitzroy Valley women and families

Community Services Minister Simone McGurk has presented a Lotterywest grant of $736,000 to the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre to support women and families in the Fitzroy Valley.

The grant will enable the Aboriginal Corporation to purchase two new vehicles, complete building refurbishments and create an outdoor community space to support vulnerable people in the region.

The improvements to the Marninwarntikura facility will support the not-for-profit-group’s work through the resource centre, which encourages safety and wellbeing within the community, fosters leadership and helps to build local residents’ financial independence.

Marninwarntikura offers a range of services to Fitzroy Valley women and families that are culturally sensitive, including therapeutic healing, early childhood learning and crisis responses for those who may be experiencing family and domestic violence.

The healing-informed services offered through Marninwarntikura help break the cycle of intergenerational and childhood trauma and have become a valued community asset in the Fitzroy Valley.

“Marninwarntikura provides an invaluable service to the Fitzroy Valley community, and this investment in the Women’s Resource Centre acknowledges the quality of services it offers.

“I commend Marninwarntikura chief executive officer Emily Carter and her team for their commitment to supporting women, children and families across the Fitzroy Valley to stay safe and strong.

“The importance of delivering culturally sensitive and trauma-informed services to vulnerable people living in regional areas cannot be understated.

“This grant builds on the McGowan Government’s efforts to support Aboriginal Corporations to deliver local leadership and help foster a strong sense of community belonging.” said Minister of Women’s interest, Prevention of family and domestic violence and community services Simone McGurk.

 

McGowan Government delivers payment boost for grandcarers

Western Australian grandcarers will benefit from a significant boost to the payments they receive under the Grandcarers Support Scheme after the McGowan Government delivered on its election commitment to increase their financial support.

Grandparents who are caring for grandchildren and registered under the Grandcarers Support Scheme will now receive $1,000 per annum for each child in their care.

The increase will more than triple the financial assistance provided to eligible grandcarers looking after two or more children, and more than double the financial support paid to grandcarers with a single child in their care.

The increased payments will commence in early November, with the new rate to be backdated to July 1, 2021. This will ensure top-up payments can be made to any grandcarers who have already received payments at the old rate within the current financial year.

To be eligible for the Grandcarer Support Scheme, grandcarers must have primary, full-time care responsibilities for the child or children they tend to.

The Grandcarer Support Scheme is delivered through a partnership between the Department of Communities and Wanslea Limited. Since the scheme was established, it has delivered more than $5 million in support to Western Australian grandfamilies.

The announcement of the funding boost coincides with National Grandparents Day, which celebrates the achievements of grandparents and fosters loving family connections across generations.

More information on the Grandcarers Support Scheme can be viewed online.

“Many grandparents don’t expect a family crisis that leaves them to raise their grandchildren.

“The delivery of our commitment to triple the cash payment for grandparent carers ensures that WA grandcarers have the financial assistance they need to better support themselves and their grandchildren.

“It’s fitting we deliver this commitment on National Grandparents Day.

“Thank you to all Western Australian grandparents who give so much to their families and communities – we are a better community because of your support and nurturing.” said Premier Mark McGowan.

“The Grandcarers Support Scheme delivers an important financial boost to grandparents who are primary and full-time carers for their grandchildren.

“This increased financial support for grandcarers recognises the demands and pressures that grandparents often face in looking after their loved ones, and will help them to provide a nurturing and loving home for their grandchildren.

“I would like to thank Wanslea for their ongoing commitment to supporting and advocating for WA grandfamilies as they work to help deliver the Grandcarers Support Scheme.

“Today also marks National Grandparents Day, which is an opportunity to recognise the important role of all grandparents – those raising their grandchildren, supporting their families in other ways and making valuable contributions to their local communities.” said Minister for Child Protection Simone McGurk.