The Western Australian Council of Social Service has welcomed the opening of Boorloo Bidee Mia, a homelessness service for people sleeping rough in the Perth Metropolitan area.
WACOSS CEO, Louise Giolitto, said the concept of Boorloo Bidee Mia, which was developed in consultation with First Nations peoples and represents ‘Perth Pathway to Housing’ in Whadjuk Noongar language, would be a culturally safe place for rough sleepers to come and heal.
“This is a very welcome piece of the puzzle in helping to solve the homelessness crisis in WA and proof of what can be achieved when proper consultation takes place,” Ms Giolitto said.
“There has been an urgent need in the Perth Metro area for a centrally-located safe place for rough sleepers to access support and be able to have a good night’s sleep without feeling unsafe or being exposed to the weather.
“Boorloo Bidee Mia provides that immediate low-barrier accommodation option and is a first for the Perth Metro area that will be run and further developed by two Aboriginal community controlled organisations, Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia.
“Tailored care plans for residents who access Boorloo Bidee Mia will ensure that more rough sleepers are able to find a pathway to permanent housing and I congratulate Minister McGurk for her work in bringing together the community in support of this important service.
“It was fantastic to hear Noongar Elder Uncle Ben Taylor and Wungening CEO Daniel Morrison speak at the launch this morning about the significance of Boorloo Bidee Mia and being able to provide a culturally safe place for First Nations people who are experiencing homelessness.”
