19/2/03
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens today officially opened a new night shelter in Perth to accommodate Aboriginal women escaping alcohol-linked violence and abuse.
The Minister said Karlimia, which means 'camp', would provide overnight respite for up to five women, and greatly enhance facilities already offered by ANAWIM Women's Refuge.
Mr Stephens said the Karlimia project was funded by the Department of Housing and Works' Crisis Accommodation Program.
"The Government has a commitment under its Housing Strategy to deliver appropriate accommodation services for all homeless and disadvantaged people, and the provision of this shelter underpins our pledge," he said.
"ANAWIM has served the community tirelessly for 25 years with its non-residential support programs for Aboriginal women, and until now has provided short-term supported accommodation for up to eight people.
"The new accommodation has come about principally as a result of its location close to parks where many of ANAWIM's client base socialise and often live.
"Women from these groups, many of whom are victims of alcohol linked violence and abuse, have approached ANAWIM for overnight refuge to escape these attacks.
"This demand is greatest in winter when wet, cold and inclement weather becomes an additional burden.
"ANAWIM previously provided ad hoc assistance, but this meant four or five people having to share a small bedroom. This group of people also has different needs to the main client group.
"The Night Shelter, though part of the ANAWIM complex, is a separate and isolated entity enabling two different client groups to be adequately cared for without one affecting the other."
Speaking at the official opening of the night shelter and celebration of the refuge's 25th anniversary, Mr Stephens paid tribute to the early volunteers, who he said were the cornerstone to the refuge's success.
"Today volunteers still help and fill a vital role, but paid staff now provide the many professional and out-of-hours services required to operate the facility," he said.
"ANAWIM receives support funding for its service through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program, the Catholic Church and, with the opening of the night shelter, will also receive funding through the Drug and Alcohol Office."
The Department of Housing and Works engaged Tony Macri and Associates to carry out the design, development and contract administration.
The capital funding had come from the department's Crisis Accommodation Program following a submission to the Community Housing Branch of the Department.
"This new facility is a fine example of partnerships involving the State and the community," Mr Stephens said.
"ANAWIM is run by a management committee under the auspices of the Catholic Church."
The new shelter is located at 20 Lane Street, Perth.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
