Refuges service funding boost

Refuges service funding boost

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Starick chief executive Leanne Barron and Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk are looking forward to receiving a new vehicle, which will help outreach workers. Photograph – Aaron Van Rongen.

A new vehicle, upgrades to IT and software and additional gardens and outdoor spaces would give one not-for-profit organisation a helping hand as they continued to provide assistance to others.

Starick Services recently received a $247,400 State Government grant to help the organisation improve infrastructure and amenities at two of their refuges.

The organisation provided a safe place for women and children who were experiencing family and domestic violence and included services such as outreach support, court and legal support, crisis and transitional accommodation and community education.

Starick chief executive Leanne Barron said the organisation, which supported more than 1000 women and their children every year throughout the southeast corridor was extremely grateful for the funding.

“We will be putting nature based playgrounds into both of our refuges,” she said.

“We think that is very important that kids that have experienced trauma have safe places to play, but also places that challenge them and help them respond to the trauma that they have experienced.

“We will also be working with local small to medium businesses by providing a resource kit to help them with their response to domestic violence.”

Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk announced the funding last week alongside Member for Armadale Tony Buti, Member for Thornlie Chris Tallentire, Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh and Darling Range Labor candidate Tania Lawrence.

Ms McGurk said the Local Projects, Local Jobs grant would help the organisation get survivors of domestic violence back up on their feet.

“Starick Services do an incredible and invaluable job in supporting women and children living in Perth’s south-east and experiencing family and domestic violence,” she said