Two new specialist family and domestic violence One Stop Hubs were officially launched by the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence at events in Kalgoorlie and Mirrabooka during this year’s 16 Days to Stop Violence Against Women campaign earlier this month.
The hubs are a first for WA and have been designed to make it easier for those experiencing family and domestic violence to access a range of support services from one location.
An extensive co-design and engagement process was used to ensure that each Hub was developed with the needs of local community members, stakeholders and people with lived experience of family and domestic violence front of mind.
Mara Pirni Healing Place
Mara Pirni Healing Place in Kalgoorlie opened on 14 December, with a satellite service in Laverton. The Hub will be operated by HOPE Community Services, alongside Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni Aboriginal Corporation, One Tree Community Services, Wanslea Family Services, Aboriginal Legal Service WA and the Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation.
Services will include alcohol and other drug counselling, mental health support, housing, legal and financial support, family and domestic violence education and awareness activities, parenting support services including counselling and a creche, and community activities including education workshops and yarning circles. A Men’s Healing service will also be delivered off site.
Naala Djookan Healing Centre
Naala Djookan Healing Centre in Mirrabooka opened on 7 December. Operated by the City of Stirling in partnership with 10 specialist organisations, it will provide a diverse mix of services with a particular focus on providing culturally safe and trauma informed support for people from all backgrounds.
Specialist services will include health, mental health, counselling, alcohol and other drug, legal, housing and financial counselling services. Family and domestic violence support and services for men will also be provided off site.
The names of the Hubs were chosen in consultation with local community members, Elders and stakeholder groups.
Naala Djookan means “Our Sisters” in Noongar language, while the word ‘Mara’ translates to 'hand' across many Aboriginal languages in the Goldfields region. Both hubs have a strong commitment to engaging with Aboriginal women and children in a culturally safe space.
Services at the Hubs are being implemented in phases, with roll out expected to be finished in February 2021.
