Perth Approves Safe Night Space for Women in Northbridge
The City of Perth has officially approved the establishment of a temporary women’s night shelter in Northbridge, marking a significant step forward. This decision follows prolonged disagreements between Perth’s local government and Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.
Looking ahead, there is optimism that women in need will soon have access to this crucial service, with plans for its implementation in the upcoming weeks.
Following the approval, the City of Perth has outlined specific conditions for the shelter, one of which includes the presence of a security guard stationed outside the facility. This measure aims to ensure the safety and security of the women utilizing the shelter.
With the closure of the Safe Night Space service in East Perth last November, vulnerable women who relied on this facility may find solace in the prospect of having a shelter in Northbridge in the near future.
Throughout the process, Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and the state government have been engaged in a prolonged dispute regarding the funding and location of the service, underscoring the importance and necessity of such facilities for the community.
Perth Grants Safe Night Space: Rod Evans Community Centre Transition
Perth’s Rod Evans Community Centre was the previous home for Ruah’s Safe Night Space for a duration of two and a half years. The transition of this service has been a topic of contention, with accusations of political motivations from both sides. The Lord Mayor, considering a political move to the WA Liberals, reluctantly supported the relocation of the service to James Street in Northbridge. The City Council has now given approval for this move, albeit with certain conditions attached.
Ruah, the organization responsible for operating the Safe Night Space, sees this decision as a victory. However, there is a sense of unease and uncertainty regarding the imposed conditions. The focus now shifts to understanding the logistics of this transition and what steps will follow in the process.
Understanding the Perth Grants for Safe Night Space
Perth grants Safe Night Space provided essential support for vulnerable women over a period of two-and-a-half years. The initiative offered a safe haven and basic amenities for women facing dire circumstances.
Reports from Ruah indicate that a significant portion, approximately three-quarters, of the women seeking assistance at the Safe Night Space had been victims of family and domestic violence.
Unfortunately, the City of Perth decided to reclaim the building allocated to Ruah for running the Safe Night Space, thereby discontinuing the much-needed service.
Mayor Zempilas defended the decision by stating that he had urged the state government to take over funding for the service a year prior to its closure. He claims that there was sufficient notice given to allow individuals to explore alternative options.
Minister John Carey and Basil Zempilas clashed over the Perth grants Safe Night Space location. According to WA Homelessness Minister John Carey, the city did not formally request the location change. Local governments are urged to support homelessness initiatives within their areas. The service ceased operations in late November without a solution, creating a significant gap in the state’s homelessness support system.
What was the decision made by the council regarding Perth grants Safe Night Space?
Perth Grants Safe Night Space: Advocates Push for Continued Support
Advocates are rallying for the continuation of a Safe Night Space in Perth to support vulnerable women who would otherwise be left to sleep on the streets. The imminent closure of a community center providing shelter for these women poses a significant challenge.
Perth Grants Safe Night Space
Mr Zempilas advocated for Uniting WA to take over the service in the CBD, but state funding was declined due to the Office of Homelessness deeming the location “inappropriate”.
Mr Carey, on the other hand, supported funding Ruah to continue the service at its current James Street location in Northbridge, pending council approval for overnight use.
Mr Zempilas opposed this, citing proximity to the entertainment district and residential areas as concerns.
The closure of the shelter left vulnerable women without a secure place to spend the night. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)
He noted a significant decrease in antisocial behavior captured on CCTV since the closure of the Safe Night Space at the Rod Evans Centre in November.
Despite his reservations, the Lord Mayor and City of Perth council members have approved running the service from Ruah’s James Street facility for a 30-month period.
However, this decision is subject to several conditions:
- The building must have a security guard present at all times during operation.
- Ruah must maintain regular communication with the Northbridge neighborhood group to address operational matters.
- Any actions taken to resolve these issues require approval from the City of Perth.
- The Safe Night Space must be operated and managed to the city’s satisfaction.
Reasons for Basil Zempilas’ Change of Heart
Mr. Zempilas explained his reversal in rejecting the application was due to the potential for the state government to override it via the State Administrative Tribunal.
This scenario previously unfolded with Ruah, where the City of Perth initially denied their request to relocate to James Street.
The service was subjected to conditions by the council. However, in opting to endorse the plans, the City of Perth has given itself control over the operations of the Safe Night Space.
What was the council’s opinion on Ruah’s proposals?
Challenges Persist Two Weeks After Perth Grants Safe Night Space
Perth Grants Safe Night Space: Concerns Raised by Councillors
“The need for heightened security raises questions about the compatibility of the land use with the area,” expressed Councillor Brent Fleeton, a candidate for Liberal preselection in Nedlands for the upcoming state election.
“Our options are limited in this situation,” he added, criticizing the poorly planned application. Despite his support, Fleeton emphasized the urgency to avoid unnecessary expenses for the council and taxpayers.
Similarly, Councillor Catherine Lezer voiced concerns about the Safe Night Space trial, highlighting its unsuitability for residential and entertainment zones.
Lezer urged the state government to identify a more suitable location within the 30-month temporary approval period, emphasizing the current site’s inadequacy for the facility.
Ruah’s Concerns Regarding Conditions
Expressing her apprehension, Ruah Community Services CEO Debra Zanella conveyed her worries about how the city’s imposed conditions would function.
She voiced, “I have a strong concern that these conditions might be a covert strategy to close us down before the 30-month mark.”
Zanella admitted, “I still find it challenging to grasp the true implications of the recent amendments, which leaves me feeling slightly perplexed and uneasy.”
Additionally, Ms. Zanella raised doubts about the necessity and efficacy of having a security guard stationed outside the premises.
Perth Grants Safe Night Space: Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward
The conditions set by the council have raised worries for Debra Zanella from Ruah, as reported by ABC News.
The Lord Mayor reassured that the conditions imposed on the approval of the Safe Night Space would not lead to its closure.
“The feedback received will serve as gentle reminders,” mentioned Mr. Zempilas.
He emphasized that complying with operating conditions is standard for businesses and services in the city.
Zanella expressed that while reopening the Safe Night Space on James Street is a temporary victory, the focus should be on improving housing availability.
“Ideally, we aim to eliminate the need for such services for women by ensuring adequate accommodation options,” she highlighted.
