Women’s Refuge handover true recognition of service to our community

Photo Caption: L/R Anne Pekaar (Chair, Chrysalis), Alison Adam (CEO, Chrysalis), Minister Brendon Grylls, Paul Brown MP

Chrysalis Support Services will be handed ownership of their properties in a proposal put forward by Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP.

The Minister for Housing Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, recently made the announcement to transfer the three properties to Chrysalis Support Services (Chrysalis) at a celebratory event in Geraldton, thanking CEO Alison Adam, along with members of the Board and staff.

Mr Grylls said, “I would truly like to thank everyone from Chrysalis for providing services such as these in times of utmost need for people seeking compassion, care and support.”

The properties are currently owned by the Housing Authority and leased to Chrysalis on a peppercorn lease.

“The Housing Authority has considered the support that they have been able to give to Chrysalis over many years as fundamental to ensuring that women and children remain safe in our community,” Mr Grylls said.

Mr Brown said, “Freehold title will give Chrysalis security into the future, and provide them with an asset that will help them to meet their objectives in continuing to provide this vital community service.”

The Housing Authority has supported Chrysalis with the provision of housing since 2010. The Chrysalis refuge provides safe, supported accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence, and at risk of homelessness. Chrysalis provide a variety of support services including helping young children with trauma associated with family and domestic violence.

Mr Brown said “I would also like to thank the previous Minister for Housing, Colin Holt who gave me his full support for the ownership transfer when I took the proposal to him some months ago, and I also thank Brendon for his commitment to see the ownership transfer through to completion.”

“Chrysalis Support Services has also recently been able to undertake significant renovations to their women’s refuge centre due to a $123,277 grant from the Royalties for Regions funded Regional Grant Scheme, which I also happily supported.”