Stirling Women's Centre and Naala Djookan Healing Centre play their part for 16 Days in WA

The 16 Days in WA campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day) each year, encouraging cultural change in the attitudes that lead to violence against women and children.

The theme of this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign is Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part.
 
The City is a strong supporter of the campaign and a passionate advocate for survivors of family and domestic violence as the operator of the Stirling Women’s Centre and Naala Djookan Healing Centre.
 
The Stirling Women’s Centre is the only local government-managed refuge in the state, providing short-term crisis accommodation, support services and personalised safety plans for women and children escaping violence.
 
Naala Djookan Healing Centre in Mirrabooka is a one-stop hub for women and children affected by family and domestic violence, with 10 specialist partner organisations offering a range of services to help them on their healing journey. 
 
The only local government-led consortium of its kind in WA, it aims to simplify access to support by providing trauma-informed therapeutic services from one safe, inclusive and culturally responsive hub.
 
The teams from the Stirling Women’s Centre and Naala Djookan Healing Centre will stand in solidarity with survivors and other support service providers today at WA’s 35th March Against Domestic and Family Violence in the Perth CBD.
 
They will also join marches in Joondalup on Tuesday 2 December and Midland on Friday 5 December.
 
The 16 Days in WA campaign will be featured across the City’s libraries, with interactive activities, recommended reading and other resources on display.
 
The Scarborough Clock Tower and Mount Lawley Town Centre lights will shine orange and white in support of the cause.
 
“The number of women killed by a partner or ex-partner in Australia is alarming,” City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said.
 
“Ultimately, we need to change the attitudes and stereotypes that make people think that any form of abuse against a partner is acceptable.
 
“All Australians have a part to play in that, from parents to schools to young men hanging out with their mates.
 
“But we also need to do a better job of supporting women and children who are affected by abuse – and that means more support and resources from all levels of government.”
 
The Stirling Women’s Centre Christmas Appeal is back for 2025, with the community asked to donate new, unwrapped items that can be used as presents for children, teenagers and adults.
 
“Christmas is a fantastic time of year for many people, but it can be a very difficult time of year for others,” Mayor Irwin said.
 
“In the spirit of Christmas, I’d encourage our residents to donate to the Stirling Women’s Centre Christmas Appeal so we can make the festive season a little brighter for women and children in crisis.”

To seek support or learn more about the City’s services, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/FDV