Women's Centre Granted Rent-Free Use of Court House
The Pinjarra Women's Centre has been granted permission to relocate into the Pinjarra Court House rent-free for up to three months after its previous premises were deemed unsafe for occupation. The Shire of Murray council unanimously approved the interim arrangement at its June 18 meeting, waiving an estimated $20,000 in rent.
Building Concerns Prompt Urgent Move
The women's centre, operated by OVIS Community Services, had been based in a Shire of Murray-owned building on Camp Road. However, a recent inspection revealed worsening conditions, including structural concerns, asbestos management issues, electrical faults, and termite damage. The inspection recommended immediate relocation.
A 2025 inspection had already flagged these issues, but a subsequent inspection found that some problems had deteriorated further, necessitating the urgent move.
Shire Council Supports OVIS Services
Deputy shire president Ange Rogers expressed strong support for OVIS, stating, “They put an awful lot back into our community. Not that this is our role to be putting these things in the community, but we couldn’t do it even if we wanted to with our budgets and the like, so I think it’s important to support the people that are doing it.”
The shire plans to explore a longer-term lease for the courthouse, which a shire report described as under-used. Any ongoing occupation will require consent from the National Trust, which oversees the heritage-listed building.
OVIS Services and Previous Rent Waiver
OVIS is a not-for-profit community service provider supporting women and families experiencing family and domestic violence, homelessness, and other vulnerabilities in the Peel region. In April 2024, the shire had already agreed to waive rent for the women's centre for two years, acknowledging its essential services and funding challenges.
