We would like to tell you more
About Harbour
Harbour, Refuge and Support Services (also known as South West Refuge Inc) have been providing services to women and children escaping domestic and family violence for over 30 years. Our services include Refuge Accommodation, Safe at Home Programs, Transitional Housing, Financial Counselling, Drug, Alcohol and Trauma Counselling, Mobile Outreach Services and Emergency Relief. operating across the South West region of WA.
Our approach is client led and case management involves a mix of practical supports such as food vouchers, clothing and assistance to access services such as counselling or free legal services. Our team of Advocates and workers undertake risk assessments, safety planning, advocacy, referrals, court support and assistance with obtaining family and domestic violence restraining orders.
Our Vision and Mission
Harbour is committed to providing support to women, including those with children, who are being affected by family or domestic violence. We provide services that protect them from harm and homelessness and we are committed to ensuring all women and children can live free from abuse.
Our team of specialised advocates will provide a coordinated, client led responsive service which places a focus on the client’s choice, trauma recovery and personal safety. Utilising our expertise to undertake safety planning and home risk audits, personalised support and exit planning , the team at Harbour offer a safe space to recover and plan for a future in safety.
Our Values
At Harbour, we embrace a set of core values that form the foundation of our commitment to transforming lives affected by domestic abuse. These values include:
Healing from trauma with support of counselling, access to medical and legal advice.
Advocacy for your supports including the provision of emergency relief, access to crisis payments, housing or accommodation.
Resilience to rebuild personal capacity through education and awareness and bolster self- determination.
Belonging through restoring shattered connections after isolation from friendships, family and community.
Optimism for a future without violence and moving forward leveraging on our specialised support.
Upliftment in your self-confidence and building self-care.
Responsibility of your life’s new journey.
Our Story
Our story begins in 1989 when a house in East Bunbury became the first safe haven for South West Refuge, offering short-term crisis accommodation for women and children escaping Family and Domestic Violence. A group of volunteers prepared and painted the house in readiness to receive clients and a group of five women along with a childcare worker, were employed at the refuge to provide advocacy and support for women.
Although Waratah Support Services and South West Refuge initially formed part of the same group, South West Refuge officially became an Incorporated Association in 1991, marking the start of a journey dedicated to effective local responses to Family and Domestic Violence adding the first of its transitional homes in 1994.
Over the years, South West Refuge expanded its reach and facilities, acquiring land in 1993 for a purpose-built refuge and adding transitional crisis accommodation units in 1994.
A commitment to continuous improvement led to significant upgrades in 2012/2013 and refurbishments in 2015 to 2019.
In 2023, a pivotal moment marked the evolution of SWR into Harbour. The rebranding reflected a transformative shift, symbolized by an innovative H icon representing the winding path of a client’s journey, emphasizing rebuilding and breaking the cycle of violence.
Harbour’s vision is clear: to offer a safe harbour for healing and empowerment whether in your home or crisis accommodation, ensuring women are free from family and domestic violence and empowered to fulfil their potential within the community.
Harbour is a vibrant force, navigating change to a safe space as you build a future without violence.
Join Our Team and Make a Difference
We are always on the lookout for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of women and children who use our services. If you are interested in working with us or exploring a student placement opportunity, we invite you to reach out.
Make sure you keep an eye on the “Work with Us” page for current vacancies or send us an email to express your interests.
Want to become a partner?
We invite organisations to join forces in creating a safer future for women and children escaping Family and Domestic Violence. Explore meaningful partnership opportunities and be a catalyst for positive change. Contact us to start the journey of transforming lives together.
