The Pilbara Safe Spaces Program is a vital early intervention initiative that will connect young people with a responsible adult to keep them safe from harm. It will also offer culturally responsive follow-up and outreach services – such as family supports and life skills – and encourage participation in education and employment.
Programs have been codesigned with locally based ACCOs, Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation in Hedland and Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Aboriginal Corporation in Newman to provide culturally responsive support vulnerable children and young people. Services in Hedland and Newman are due to commence mid-2025.
The Pilbara Development Commission is supporting the establishment of the Safe Spaces Program in partnership with the Department of Communities and locally based ACCOs.
Resource companies BHP and Fortescue have jointly committed up to $22 million through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII) for the Safe Spaces program to operate over five years. The RCII is a major partnership between the WA Government and resources sector to make financial contribution towards community and social initiatives and infrastructure projects to make WA an even better place to live.
The WA Government has committed $7.3 million over 5 years in the 2024–25 State Budget towards the Pilbara Safe Spaces Program. This will include the establishment of the Indigenous Healing Service in Newman that will deliver child-focused trauma recovery services, informed by traditional and local Aboriginal healing practices.
The program will be delivered in line with the WA’s Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy, Aboriginal Procurement Policy, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Further information on the Pilbara Safe Spaces program can be found at Pilbara Safe Spaces.
