Boorloo Bidee Mia

Located in the Perth CBD, Boorloo Bidee Mia is a supported accommodation service for rough sleepers.
Last updated:

In collaboration with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) Wungening Aboriginal Corporation and Noongar Mia Mia, the Department of Communities has established Boorloo Bidee Mia to provide a culturally appropriate response to the issue of rough sleeping in the Perth metropolitan area.

The name, Boorloo Bidee Mia, represents “Perth pathway to housing” in Whadjuk Noongar language, and embodies the intent of the service to provide residents with the support they need to transition out of homelessness and into stable, long-term accommodation.

Boorloo Bidee Mia has been designed in partnership with Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia to ensure it meets the needs of Aboriginal residents, who are expected to be the primary users of the service.

Boorloo Bidee Mia is a key initiative of our All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness.

More information about Boorloo Bidee Mia can be found on the Wungening Aboriginal Corporation website.

Frequently asked questions

How are resident referrals managed at Boorloo Bidee Mia?

The referral process for Boorloo Bidee Mia is being led by the Department of Communities (Communities) and a group of service providers, working collaboratively as the Homelessness Integrated Action Group, which identifies appropriate candidates who are already linked to support services.

This process will ensure an appropriate number and cohort of residents for the service available. The ongoing assessment and intake process will be further developed and refined by the service providers and Communities as the service evolves.

Individuals seeking referral to Boorloo Bidee Mia and service providers assisting people experiencing homelessness are encouraged to contact Wungening Aboriginal Corporation via this web form to seek more information about referral pathways.

How are resident numbers being managed?

While currently operational and servicing clients, the building works program is progressing at Boorloo Bidee Mia to enable full-service capacity. It is expected that the occupation of the service will be a gradual process, with a view to maintaining appropriate safety for all residents and staff.

The number of residents accommodated at Boorloo Bidee Mia at any given time will be dependent on the support needs of residents, with the delivery of a safe, culturally appropriate and effective service being a priority at all times.

Why was 300 Wellington St selected as the site for Boorloo Bidee Mia?

In February 2021, Communities undertook a market scan to identify suitable properties available to lease or acquire for use as accommodation for people sleeping rough.

As a result of investigations, the building at 300 Wellington Street, Perth was selected as the preferred site for the delivery of Boorloo Bidee Mia. The building’s size and layout offered optimal flexibility to provide residents with spaces that promote safety, wellbeing and healing.

It is also ideally located in proximity to key services and amenities including Royal Perth Hospital, health and wellbeing services and transport hubs.

Who is operating the facility?

Perth-based Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Wungening Aboriginal Corporation (Wungening) and Noongar Mia Mia, were jointly awarded a $6.7 million grant to deliver a low-barrier, culturally informed and responsive accommodation and support service to residents of Boorloo Bidee Mia over three years.

The grant will be utilised to cover the operational and staffing expenses in addition to the therapeutic service model aimed at addressing the associated addiction and mental health concerns that can lead to chronic homelessness.

Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia are experienced in supporting people with complex needs and in delivering culturally informed, targeted support services and outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Both organisations have established and trusted relationships with many people from the rough sleeping community in the Perth metropolitan area and were deemed to have the capacity to deliver an appropriate service.

Wungening is leading the partnership, working with Noongar Mia Mia to deliver a culturally informed and responsive support service to residents, inclusive of tenancy and lodging support. Together, they are ensuring the provision of a holistic service that supports residents to sustain their lodging until they transition to long-term accommodation.

Throughout the life of the service, Communities and its providers, Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia, will draw on the knowledge and expertise of the Aboriginal community and the community services sector to ensure Boorloo Bidee Mia complements and supports existing homelessness services and programs.