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The Andrea Mia centre opens in Perth’s south for families escaping violence

Headshot of Emily Moulton
Emily MoultonThe West Australian
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk and Health Minister Roger Cook with Lucy Saw Centre CEO Anne Moore at the opening of a new women's refuge.
Camera IconPrevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk and Health Minister Roger Cook with Lucy Saw Centre CEO Anne Moore at the opening of a new women's refuge. Credit: Trevor Collens

A new women’s refuge capable of housing large families, including teenage boys, as well as pets has opened up in Perth’s southern suburbs.

The Andrea Mia centre, named after Andrea Pickett, whose brutal stabbing murder at the hands of her estranged husband led to significant changes in the WA family and domestic violence system after an inquest found government agencies had failed to put a plan in place to prevent her death, features six self-contained units with 24/7 security as well as communal facilities for therapy and service provisions.

Andrea Pickett’s brother Gary Bentley, niece Jade Bentley (holding photo) and other family members outside court.
Camera IconAndrea Pickett’s brother Gary Bentley, niece Jade Bentley (holding photo) and other family members outside court. Credit: Kate Campbell/WA News

It is being run by the Lucy Saw Centre Association, which has been operating women’s refuges in the Kwinana and Rockingham area for the past 40 years and been described by its CEO, Anne Moore as “amazing”.

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“I think women that come here will just know that the community, the government and everyone respects them,” Ms Moore said. “Something like this shows so much dignity for women.”

The centre is one of two purpose-built refuges that have recently opened as part of the McGowan Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign to stop violence against women and their families.

The Warlang Bidi - Supporting Women and Children, the State’s first therapeutic women’s refuge, opened in Peel last week.

Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk said the refuge not only strengthened the services available to women in the area but would also cater for clients with specific needs, including women with a disability, women with larger families, older women, Aboriginal women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The exterior of a unit at the new women's refuge that opened today.
Camera IconThe exterior of a unit at the new women's refuge that opened today. Credit: Trevor Collens/The Sunday Times

“The difference with this refuge compared to Peel is that it can accommodate large families, including teenage boys if necessary,” she added.

While the $2.5 million facility currently has six units, Ms McGurk said there were plans to build another six as part of WA Recovery Plan.

Work on those units, which will cost a further $2 million, are expected to be completed by June 2021.

Women's Domestic Violence Helpline - 1800 007 339

Men's Domestic Violence Helpline - 1800 000 599

1800 RESPECT is a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

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