Broome Women’s Refuge (Catherine House)

This Request is for the provision of the Family and Domestic Violence Accommodation and Support Service – Catherine House Refuge (the Service). The Service is intended to accommodate up to six women, with or without accompanying children who are at risk of experiencing family and domestic violence. A Communities owned property in the Broome region will be leased to the successful Respondent for the purpose of delivering the Service. The Kimberley region records the highest rates of family and domestic violence in Western Australia. Currently, Broome has only one four-bedroom refuge which cannot accommodate the significant need of the community. This shortage of suitable accommodation places women and children at continued risk of harm, homelessness, and poor recovery outcomes. It also restricts the ability of services to support people with complex needs, including those with disability or heightened safety concerns. Communities intends to repurpose an existing property in Broome, Catherine House, as additional family and domestic violence refuge accommodation. Post completion of refurbishment works by Communities, Catherine House will provide accommodation for up to six women with or without accompanying children who are at risk of experiencing family and domestic violence