New Men's Centre in Kalumburu Aims to Tackle Domestic Violence

A new men's centre has opened in the remote West Australian community of Kalumburu, in a bid to address the region's high domestic violence rate. The Benyjin Gulaali (The Men's Place) aims to provide a safe space for men to access support and counselling, with the goal of reducing violence and improving community safety.

A Centre for Men

Police data shows that in 2026, there have been 46 domestic and family violence incidents in Kalumburu, a community of fewer than 400 residents. Sergeant Brian Welch, one of two police officers in Kalumburu, has long advocated for a dedicated space for men to access support.

"There's nothing for men here at all in the community," he said.

Sergeant Welch said police often provided support to struggling men, including a "cup of tea and a chat" at the police station, to de-escalate tension that could otherwise lead to violence.

"We try to talk to them before you get to that space where there's violence involved," Sergeant Welch said.

A Community-led Initiative

The men's centre is a community-led initiative, with support from local members such as Jeremy Kowan. Mr Kowan said men who were struggling with relationships and a lack of support services used to turn to him and other elders for advice.

"I used to talk my way through to them, tell them 'just don't worry'," he said.

"Just think about you, your family, your young ones. Think about them, their future ahead and just don't worry about the outside things."

Mr Kowan is excited that Kalumburu men now have a dedicated space, and has seen men relaxing and socializing at the centre.

"The women got their own place, the men got their own place now," he said.

"The men are all starting to like that place, and every time I drive past I see them relaxing on the lounges, and talking away and laughing … it's really good."

Addressing Overcrowding and Lack of Support

Kalumburu's small population and overcrowded housing make it challenging to address domestic violence. Sergeant Welch said enforcing restriction orders was a challenge, as there was often nowhere for offenders to go.

"If they get served with police orders, they have to leave their home and there's really nowhere for them to go other than to other family members," he said.

Colleen Zulian, who runs the Kalumburu Strong Women Centre, said overcrowding contributed to tension in some homes.

"Most houses are overcrowded, so that in itself gives restrictions to them going to another house," she said.

Ms Zulian hopes that more services will come to the community, including counselling to help healing and reduce violence.

"The men haven't had any support, which contributes to DV and family disagreements," she said.

The men's centre has already provided employment and hope for a brighter future, and with further support, it aims to help families and prevent violence.