Western Australia's government has announced a $16.3 million investment to establish a "one-stop" family and domestic violence hub in Broome.
The Broome hub will provide a range of specialist family and domestic violence resources and other community services in one location. This will make it easier for victim / survivors to access multiple services and also reduce the trauma of them needing to retell and relive their experiences each time they access a different service.
It will also provide specialist support and outreach services to Derby and Bidyadanga.
The WA government has opened a registration of interest process to identify potential service providers and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations have been "strongly encouraged" to register their interest. Following this process, a full tender process is expected to open later this year supported by a range of information sessions and workshops to help prospective applicants prepare.
In 2022 the government carried out consultation for the Broome hub's operating model with local stakeholders including Aboriginal Elders, people with lived experience of family and domestic violence, peak bodies, service providers, and other government agencies in the local area.
Member for Kimberley Divina D'Anna, a Yawuru, Nimanburr and Bardi woman born and raised in Broome, said on Friday that the town and surrounding areas are locations of "high demand for family and domestic violence services".
"(Having) a local hub with tailored and culturally supportive services is really important and will make it easier for people to seek the help and support they need," she said.
"I'm really pleased to be part of a government that's committed to preventing family and domestic violence and promoting Aboriginal family safety. This is another example of how we're working with the local community and service providers to address these issues."
The government said the Broome project will build on the success of similar projects in Mirrabooka and Kalgoorlie. Earlier this year a service provider for a hub in Armadale was announced.
The Broome one-stop hub is part of the 2023/24 state budget and was among the government's election commitments.
Including Broome, the state government investment in the family and domestic violence hub program is now $64.8million.
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, Sabine Winton, said the WA government is committed to addressing family violence in the Kimberley and "breaking the cycle needs targeted services in primary prevention and early intervention".
"The Broome hub will provide a one-stop entry point where victim-survivors have access to a range of supports to get the assistance that is right for them, which includes cultural support and healing services," she said.
"The hub model works best by tailoring services to meet the needs of the local community. We've seen this work with great success in Mirrabooka and Kalgoorlie, and we are making sure the Armadale hub, which should be operational next year, also has the same approach.
"I would like to thank all those who shared their expertise and own lived experiences during the consultation process. These insights will play a critical role in shaping how the Broome hub will operate in the community."
