Mineral Resources
MinRes funds the Karlup Service, Koorta Guides
Mineral Resources announced a $1.5 million partnership with Ruah Community Services to fund five Koorta Guides at the new Angela Wright Bennett Centre for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
The three-year partnership between MinRes and Ruah was announced during the annual 16 Days in WA campaign in November 2023, which aims to spur action to end violence against women.
A key element of the service is the Koorta Guides- 10 advocates that will support women on their long and challenging journey to recovery. Koorta means “trusted friend” in Noongar, the Aboriginal language for the Perth and South West region. Koorta Guides will be the first point of contact for clients in the Karlup Service. Karlup, a Noongar Aboriginal word meaning “a place where you belong and feel safe,” embodies the essence of the Karlup Service. The first service of its kind in Australia which is dedicated to offering comprehensive recovery and healing supports for women and their children affected by family and domestic violence.
Women over 18 and their children can access a range of essential services under the same roof, including peer support from trained staff with lived experience, dedicated case managers (Koorta Guides), counselling for adults and children, legal assistance, bulk-billing general practice, dental care, alcohol and other drug support, employment and education training, financial aid, and housing support.
MinRes Executive General Manager, Andrea Chapman, announced the new partnership at a Ruah community breakfast marking the 16 Days in WA campaign to stop violence against women.
“We are inspired by Ruah’s work and feel privileged to partner with them as the new Ruah Centre for Women and Children changes lives for the better,” Andrea said.
“As the Ruah team has shared with us, effective support for women and children who have experienced family and domestic violence goes beyond helping them through the immediate crisis.
“Koorta Guides will be on the frontline every day to provide comprehensive, sustained support that can make the difference between surviving and thriving.”
Ruah Chief Executive Officer Debra Zanella added, “We are thrilled to partner with MinRes in delivering this first of its kind service to West Australian women and children.
“Without supportive partners such as MinRes, we would not be able to create new, innovative services focused on long term recovery and healing.
“MinRes represents a new paradigm in corporate giving, where social responsibility and generosity converge to drive real change for WA.”