Providing a Safe Place for Kununurra communities

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is leading an innovative approach to mental health support in Kununurra with the delivery of the Safe Place.

Located at the Kununurra Hospital, the Safe Place operates alongside the emergency department.

The Safe Place focuses on early intervention, distress management and problem-solving support for patients not requiring intensive clinical and medical support.

Since its establishment in 2021, the service has helped more than 1,200 people to access culturally safe mental health support.

More recently, the service has welcomed an additional Peer Support Worker and Senior Mental Health Practitioner. Some improvements have also been made to the space, including new furniture to accommodate for more people while also making it more welcoming.

WA Country Health Service’s Rex O’Rourke said the organisation was working hard to support the health and wellbeing of Kimberley communities.

“Safe Place is a welcoming, culturally safe space for people to come in and have a chat about how they’re feeling.

“That’s what makes it different – it’s removed from a hospital setting and is intended to create a place for private conversations. Best of all, people can drop in and they don’t need a referral.

“The peer support workers and other professionals who run the service also have lived experience.

“That means they are able to relate to clients, empathise with them, and support them through their personal mental health recovery journey – because they’ve been there themselves.”

Along with the additional staff and furnishing improvements, Rex said the service was continuing to support and benefit the community.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the service continue and supporting the community at Safe Place. We encourage anyone who needs some support to attend.”

The Safe Place operates Wednesday to Friday 4pm – 10pm, and Saturday 2pm - 10pm.

Safe Place is open to anyone who needs support. People can self-refer and simply drop in. It’s located within Kununurra District Hospital building at 96 Coolibah Drive, Kununurra, WA 6743.

Enter through the main entrance, turn right and head towards the ward. It is on the right side of the corridor just before the ward double door entrance.

Safe Place is part of the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service (KMHDS), but you do not need to be a current consumer of the KMHDS to access this service.

For more information, contact:

Safe Place: 0456 030 979.

Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service (KMHDS): 08 9166 4340 (8.30am – 4pm), KMHDSKnx.Reception@health.wa.gov.au

Remember, there’s always support available through:

Rural Link                                            1800 552 002 (4.30pm till 8.30am Monday to Friday)
                                                                                    (24 hours Saturday and Sunday)
Lifeline                                                 13 11 14         (24/7)
Suicide Call Back Service                  1300 659 467 (24/7)
1800 Respect (Domestic Violence) 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Kids Helpline                                       1800 551 800 (24/7)
Health Direct                                       1800 022 222 (24/7)

In an emergency, always dial 000.