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Pinjarra: Safe Women Safe Family Centre officially opened

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

A YEAR’S hard work by local women Tanya Langford and Irene Lydon and volunteers became reality on Friday when the Safe Women Safe Family Centre opened in Pinjarra.

The centre for women whose lives have been affected by family and domestic violence and other traumas is not just a drop-in centre.

The warm and spacious former home already features a double garage for activities such as art classes and yoga, a vegie patch courtesy of Alcoa volunteers and children’s play equipment, with other activities also in the pipeline.

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Shire of Murray chief executive Dean Unsworth said when the council decided to sell the house, they thought they might knock it down and build a carpark.

Instead, it was offered to the Safe Women organisation.

“It’s been a wonderful transition and the council is proud to support it,’’ he said.

Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke, who helped the organisers with their original vision, said she would always be their number one supporter.

Canning MHR Andrew Hastie said Peel had the highest figure for domestic violence in WA.

“It’s people like you who take it on yourself to make a difference,’’ he told organisers.

“It’s your strength and your vision.

“My vision is to see more men involved.”

The Safe Women Safe Family originates from the Safe Man Safe Family New Zealand and was created after two members of the organisation visited WA for the White Ribbon Ride.

The opening included a Haka and the presentation of traditional Korowai cloaks.