THE state government has committed $3.7 million over three and a half years towards a new refuge for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in the Midland area.

Announced during last year’s 16 Days in WA campaign, the Bindi Bindi Mia Refuge includes five new crisis accommodation units and integrated, trauma-informed support for up to five women and their children, allowing them time to heal, recover, and thrive.

The new service is being delivered by Indigo Junction, a not-for-profit organisation with a long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable families and individuals in the Midland area.

In addition to crisis accommodation services, the new refuge will offer advocacy, safety planning, and information to help victim-survivors begin their journey to recovery.

Indigo Junction also operates the well-regarded Koolkuna Women’s Refuge and has been providing place-based responses to family and domestic violence and homelessness for more than 45 years.

This investment in the Bindi Bindi Mia Refuge will boost crucial crisis accommodation capacity in the Midland area.

This refuge takes the number of additional units for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence to 100.

Midland MLA Steve Catania said the new refuge was in good hands with Indigo Junction and was a step in the right direction for addressing domestic violences and making sure supports were in place.

“The opening of the Bindi Bindi Mia Refuge is an important step forward in addressing the impacts of family and domestic violence in our community and will provide vital support for women and children,” he said.

“Indigo Junction has a track record of supporting local families, and their deep connection to the Midland community will ensure the delivery of safe and compassionate support close to home.”

Cont. p18.

From p4.

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski affirmed Mr Catania’s comments about Indigo Junction’s long track history of support and said the new opening was an opportunity to rebuild.

“The opening of the Bindi Bindi Mia Refuge supports the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to supporting victim-survivors to not only escape violence, but also to rebuild their lives and independence by providing a safe place with well wraparound supports at hand,” she said.

Indigo Junction continues to invest in new buildings and support centres for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.

In 2021, Indigo Junction secured $5.5 million through the Social Housing Economic Recovery Package which is now the Social Housing Grants Program.

This funded the refurbishment of eight homes, three units and the Koolkuna Refuge, improving safety, accessibility and long-term sustainability.

All 12 properties have now been completed and re-tenanted, increasing the availability of safe, dignified housing.

A new Koolkuna Healing Hub has been proposed, and plans are underway for a new refuge combining independent living units with integrated, on-site support.

Development approval has been secured, with funding applications in progress.

Construction is aimed to begin in mid-2026.