EXCLUSIVE: State agrees to $2.2 million for running of Mossman DV Centre
ACTION AT LAST
After a major delay, tenders will finally go out very shortly for the operation of a brand-new domestic and family violence shelter in Mossman, which has lain idle and empty since it was built by Douglas Shire Council over a year ago.
Douglas Shire Council was given money by the federal government at the time to have the centre built – but not for its operation – on the condition that Council would be able find separate funding for an organisation to run it.
After Newsport reported on the extended delay in having the safe space actually up and running, the state government has confirmed it is now stepping in to fund its operation – to the tune of $2.2 million.
This will equate to $480,000 per year ‘ongoing’ funding.
The Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath, told Newsport “this new funding of $2.22 million will go towards procuring a non- Government organisation to provide a culturally safe service that delivers trauma informed specialist homelessness support for the next four and a half years.”
Ms D’Ath added: “In addition to the shelter, the service will provide mobile support and DFV access and community education services, to reach more DFV victims in the Douglas Shire.”
The Mossman ‘safe space’ centre, which has two home units with emergency accommodation for women, children and even pets when needed, was built in Douglas mainly because there is no other specific emergency accommodation of its kind in the
area.
Victims needing shelter have for many years been, and still are, referred to Cairns. Having it unused for so long has been a bad look for a regional area which has some of the State’s highest rates of domestic and family violence.
Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui, whose office was approached by Council for state funding, said: “This is a great result for Mossman and people living in the Douglas Shire.
“Domestic and family violence is a scourge on our society and supporting victims- survivors escape violence is one way we can show the community it is unacceptable.”
An ‘Invitation to Offer’ for a service provider to operate the Mossman centre will be advertised on the government’s site, QTenders, shortly.