Activity details
The Department of Communities and Pilbara Development Commission are working together with local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to deliver the Pilbara Safe Spaces program in Hedland and Newman. Anticipated to be fully operational by October, the Pilbara Safe Spaces program will offer a temporary safe space and/or transport home for children and young people at risk and on the streets at night. While at the Safe Space, the young person will be assessed by staff and any referrals to support services for ongoing case management will be completed based on their individual needs.
The Safe Spaces program is delivered by local ACCOs. Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa will deliver the service in Newman in partnership with Newman Woman's Shelter. Julyardi will deliver the service in Hedland to provide a temporary place where at-risk children and young people can go at night to be off the streets and away from antisocial behaviour while a responsible adult is found to provide supervision.
The Western Australian Government 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.
Implementation progress update
On 3 February 2025, the Department of Communities awarded a service contract to Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the Safe Spaces program in Hedland while Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa was awarded a contract to deliver the program in Newman. For more information see Pilbara Safe Spaces.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan update.