A highly-respected four-decade old First Nations service provider has been awarded a $2.2 million contract to operate a new domestic and family violence (DFV) shelter at Mossman.
Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service, which has been assisting the community since 1984, will manage the shelter.
The purpose-built shelter was commissioned by the Douglas Shire Council with funding from the Federal Government’s Safe Places program.
The shelter comprises of two self-contained units that are suitable for families.
Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service will provide culturally safe and trauma informed support that delivers specialist homelessness assistance for the next four and a half years.
The contract runs from April 2024 to August 2028.
In addition to the shelter, Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service will provide mobile assistance and DFV access and community education services, to reach more victims in the Douglas Shire.
Women’s shelters, like the newly built one at Mossman, provide secure temporary accommodation that allows victim-survivors to access specialist support to recover mentally and regain their autonomy.
Before the opening of this new facility at Mossman, there were no DFV specialist homeless services in the region and this shelter will provide a safe secure place for women and children experiencing DFV who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath said the Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service will be running this new domestic and family violence shelter for the next four-and-half years.
“The Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service is the perfect organisation to provide the much-needed support services,” Ms D’Ath said.
“They are well-equipped and experienced to provide a culturally safe service to women and children of the Douglas Shire.
“I would also like to thank the Douglas Shire and their mayor Lisa Scomazzon for working hard to deliver such a vital service for their community.”
Mayor Scomazzon said: “Domestic violence is an abhorrent and widespread issue and as a Council we felt compelled to provide greater support for local women and children.”
“We look forward to Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service providing a safe space for those in need and filling a void within our community.”
“I would also like to thank the Queensland Government for funding the service and the Federal Government for providing the Safe Places grant which made the construction of this shelter possible.”
Councillor Abigail Noli said: “The final step of an eight-year project has now been completed with the awarding of a provider contract to operationally run the new Mossman DV shelter.”
“In 2016 I learnt the frightening extent of DV in Douglas and through operational plan initiatives, Council commenced this long-term project.”
“This facility is one aspect of a multi-pronged effort to reduce this crime in our community.”
