In collaboration with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) Wungening Aboriginal Corporation and Noongar Mia Mia, the Department of Communities has established Boorloo Bidee Mia to provide a culturally appropriate, low barrier-response to the issue of rough sleeping in the Perth metropolitan area.
The name, Boorloo Bidee Mia, represents “Perth pathway to housing” in Whadjuk Noongar language, and embodies the intent of the service to provide residents with the support they need to transition out of homelessness and into stable, long-term accommodation.
Boorloo Bidee Mia has been designed in partnership with Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia to ensure it meets the needs of Aboriginal residents, who are expected to be the primary users of the service.
Boorloo Bidee Mia is a key initiative of our All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness.
More information about Boorloo Bidee Mia can be found on the Wungening Aboriginal Corporation website.
Frequently asked questions
How are resident referrals managed at Boorloo Bidee Mia?
Show moreThe referral process for Boorloo Bidee Mia is being led by the Department of Communities (Communities) and a group of service providers, working collaboratively as the Perth Rough Sleeper Coordination Group, which identifies appropriate candidates who are already linked to support services.
This process ensures an appropriate number and cohort of residents for the service available.
Individuals seeking referral to Boorloo Bidee Mia should discuss this with their support service. For questions around the referral process, service providers assisting people experiencing homelessness are encouraged to contact Wungening Aboriginal Corporation via this web form to seek more information about referral pathways.
How are resident numbers being managed?
Show moreThe number of residents accommodated at Boorloo Bidee Mia at any given time will be dependent on the support needs of residents, with the delivery of a safe, culturally appropriate and effective service being a priority at all times.
Why was 300 Wellington St selected as the site for Boorloo Bidee Mia?
Show moreIn February 2021, Communities undertook a market scan to identify suitable properties available to lease or acquire for use as accommodation for people sleeping rough.
As a result of investigations, the building at 300 Wellington Street, Perth was selected as the preferred site for the delivery of Boorloo Bidee Mia. The building’s size and layout offered optimal flexibility to provide residents with spaces that promote safety, wellbeing and healing.
It is also ideally located in proximity to key services and amenities including Royal Perth Hospital, health and wellbeing services and transport hubs.
Who is operating the facility?
Show morePerth-based Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Wungening Aboriginal Corporation (Wungening) and Noongar Mia Mia, were jointly awarded a $6.7 million grant to deliver a low-barrier, culturally informed and responsive accommodation and support service to residents of Boorloo Bidee Mia over three years.
The grant supports a therapeutic service model aimed at addressing the associated addiction and mental health concerns that can lead to chronic homelessness.
Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia are experienced in supporting people with complex needs and in delivering culturally informed, targeted support services and outcomes for Aboriginal people. Together, they are ensuring the provision of a holistic service that supports residents to sustain their lodging until they transition to long-term accommodation.
Throughout the life of the service, Communities and its providers, Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia, will draw on the knowledge and expertise of the Aboriginal community and the community services sector to ensure Boorloo Bidee Mia complements and supports existing homelessness services and programs.
