A local builder has been appointed to redevelop a northern suburbs family and domestic violence accommodation after the state government invested $22.6 million in the project.
Shelford Constructions Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver the Stirling Women’s Centre redevelopment, which will increase accommodation for women and children escaping family and domestic violence from five rooms to 16 independent units.
The Stirling Women's Centre has been under the City of Stirling's management for nearly 50 years. A temporary state-owned refuge was opened earlier this month and existing clients were relocated ahead of the demolition of the ageing facility.
Rockingham-based builder Shelford Constructions has over 30 years’ experience delivering large-scale government and commercial construction projects.
Perth-firm Whitehaus was appointed as the architect for the project back in 2024 and once construction starts its expected to take two years to deliver.
“We recognise the significance of this facility and the impact it will have for those seeking safety and support," a Shelford Construction spokesperson said.
"Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality, carefully considered build that provides a secure, welcoming environment for its future residents.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with the State Government and stakeholders to help bring this important project to life."
This comes as part of the state government’s $700 million investment since 2017 to improve its response to family and domestic violence.
"The redevelopment and expansion will ensure the Stirling Women's Centre will be fit for purpose for another 50 years,” Housing and Works Minister John Carey said.
A render of the redeveloped Stirling Women's Centre.
Prevention of family and domestic violence minister Jessica Stojkovski said the major project would significantly increase family and domestic violence accommodation capacity in Perth's northern suburbs.
"Our government looks forward to working with Shelford to deliver this crucial infrastructure project that will help to keep women and children safe and support them as they rebuild their lives,” she said.
The state government also announced refurbishments were set to commence at a men's crisis accommodation complex in Maylands, after awarding a $1.6 million grant.
The recipient of the grant is 55 Central, a not-for-profit community housing organisation which will use the funds to refurbish the 24-bed complex in Maylands.
"It's one of a number of investments we're making to upgrade and build new crisis and supported accommodation,” Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn said.
It comes days after the state government announced it was not considering the Bullsbrook quarantine facility as potential crisis accommodation, with the facility now being considered for prison infrastructure.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti will hand down the 2026-27 Western Australian state budget on 7 May 2026.
In its pre-budget submission, Shelter WA is calling on the state government to “urgently increase accommodation options for immediate relief from homelessness,” and to “deliver 5,000 additional social and affordable homes each year.”
The state government is yet to make any pre-budget announcements regarding spend on social and crisis accommodation.
