Wadeye women’s shelter to get security upgrade, staff funding after spate of unrest in the community

A safe house in a remote Territory community will get security upgrades and funding to retain staff after a devastating year of unrest.

More than $500,000 will be spent on the Wadeye safe house to deliver security upgrades and retain staff. Picture: Michael Franchi

More than $500,000 is being spent in Wadeye to upgrade the community’s women’s shelter and retain vital staff.

The Territory Government has committed $557,000 for extra security cameras and fencing at the eight-bed Wadeye Safe House.

The shelter’s operator, One Tree Community Services, can continue to employ a wellbeing support worker and critical outreach worker with the funding announcement.

The money will also upgrade the children’s play area, kitchen and internal cooling in the shelter.

Since its opening in 2011, the safe house has provided shelter for up to 90 women and children each month.

Wadeye is one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the NT.

Wadeye Safe House wellbeing support worker Kate Savage said the centre worked in both early intervention and in response to domestic violence.

“In my role, I deliver programs and education sessions about early intervention for domestic

violence as well as protective behaviours women and families can take,” Ms Savage said.

“Everything I do is guided by the women of the community and what they need.

“It is no secret it has been a pretty tough year in Wadeye, but as someone who lives here, I’ve really come to value and appreciate this community.”

Wadeye, which is located about 400km southwest of Darwin, has been rocked by unrest this year.

In May, about 500 residents lost their homes to violence, with arsonists and rioters damaging about 80 homes and destroying 37 other houses.

NT Police and the Thamarrurr Development Corporation helped more than 30 people return to their Wadeye homes as part of Operation Tarn. Picture: Supplied

Earlier this month, police and Wadeye Traditional Owners helped at least 30 residents to return to the community after damaged houses were repaired.

Wadeye has a population of about 3000 people.

Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Minister Kate Worden says safe houses play a crucial role in remote communities and the wider Territory.

“Government is committed to uniting efforts, knowledge and ideas to reduce domestic, family and sexual violence, and to work together to achieve safer homes and communities,” Ms Worden said.

“This additional funding comes at a vital time to support the community to keep women and children safe.”

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