Help to support families in crisis sought by Augusta-Margaret River shire president

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has called on the State Government to help provide crisis support services in what it says is one of the fastest-growing areas in WA.

Its call has been backed by community stakeholders including Just Home Margaret River.

Shire president Julia Meldrum said she and chief executive Andrea Selvey recently met senior Department of Communities directors to discuss the path ahead.

Ms Meldrum told the Times the region was experiencing a shortfall in crucial supports including counselling services and crisis accommodation, but a Communities spokesperson did not offer tangible details to address those concerns.

“Everyone in our community deserves to have access to the support they need when they need it, but as one of the fastest-growing areas in the State, this isn’t always the case,” she said.

“The nearest crisis accommodation for people experiencing family and domestic violence is in Busselton, and often people in our community need to travel to Bunbury to access additional support services.”

Just Home chair Naomi Godden said the region was reliant on not-for-profit groups because State and Federal Governments did not provide crisis services directly.

“Just Home recognises a significant lack of crisis accommodation in the Augusta-Margaret River area,” Dr Godden said.

“There is a need for a refuge for victim-survivors of violence, and we also highlight the urgent need for accommodation and behaviour change programs for perpetrators of violence.”

A Communities spokesperson responded to inquiries by outlining the support services already available.

“The State Government is open to engaging with local governments and community service groups across WA that seek to support victim-survivors,” the spokesperson said.

“Communities currently funds nine family and domestic violence services which are available for residents from the Augusta-Margaret River region and the surrounding areas.

“This includes access to accommodation, in-home supports such as the Safe at Home program, and counselling services.

“Funding has also been allocated for a men’s behaviour change program.”

The Times reported earlier this year that the shire had directly approached Premier Roger Cook on the need for a community social worker in the district.

However, the shire declined to outline what was specifically requested or detail any response from the State Government since the claims were first reported in April.

The shire said it understood the State and Federal Governments were renewing their focus on family violence and there could be potential funding avenues to pursue.

Dr Godden said Just Home was a grassroots advocacy group and not positioned to develop crisis accommodation, but would welcome bigger bodies looking for a partner to help develop services.