About us
For over 30 years we have been providing an expert range of services for families in Western Australia escaping and affected by family and domestic violence and abuse.
Our approach has always been to support them as they mentally and physically heal, and to empower them to be able to make their own decisions to get their lives back on track.
We have recently undergone a comprehensive planning process. The resulting strategic plan builds on our knowledge and expertise in family and domestic violence, while signalling a critical shift in our overall aims and how we work to achieve those aims. Key aspects are:
- We will be building and empowering families and communities to live free from gender-based violence. This means our work will be with all people as we provide appropriate services for a diverse range of clients and family units to break the cycle of violence.
- We will be offering an increasing number of services in violence intervention and prevention, while continuing to prioritise the provision of crisis and support services for women and children escaping and affected by family violence.
- We will be increasing our advocacy as we aim for a society free from gender-based violence.
To better reflect our new direction and intent we have made the first step on our new journey by changing our name to Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence. Click here to see our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
Our Values
- Equality
- Ethical
- Empowered
This means, together we work on the premise that everyone connected to our agency is of equal value and has an equal voice. Our vision is at the forefront of every decision we make and will guide our legacy into the future. We are empowered, accountable and strong and have empathy without judgement
Who is Patricia Giles?
We are named after Patricia Giles AM, an Australian Senator for 12 years and an active and passionate advocate for community services and women’s rights. By strongly supporting the introduction of a refuge in her electorate, Patricia played a vital role in helping to get us up and running. We always strive to reflect her commitment, her wisdom, her insight and her courage.
Our Board
- Candy Choo (Chairperson) is the CEO of Local Government Professionals WA and has served on the Board of several WA not-for-profits. She holds a Masters in Organisational Psychology and has worked in psychology, Human Resources and risk management roles.
- Quyen Truong (Treasurer) is an experienced finance executive. She is the General Manager of Bruining Partners having held senior roles in the banking and financial services industries.
- Craig Bishop (Secretary) is an experienced business leader and General Manager of Inherent Safety Group. He holds an MBA and serves on the Board of WA Blue Sky.
- Julie Harrison is a senior executive with extensive experience working in professional services, including as a partner at Deloitte, consulting with Boards and management on strategic, organisational change and transformation projects.
- Trudi Angwin has over 30 years’ experience in leadership across corporate, government and community organisations with an emphasis on governance, strategy, and risk management.
- Kylie Aquilina is a qualified accountant and experienced legal practitioner specialising in family law matters.
- Krystal Laurentsch is a registered nurse with more than 20 years’ experience at a leadership level across health and community organisations.
Annual report
Download a copy of our 2021/22 Annual Report.
Our work is supported by funding from the WA Department of Communities – Child Protection and Family Support, WA Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Federal Department of Human Services and through the generous support of our community and corporate partners, the
WA Quilters Association and Rio Tinto.