Purple Bench Micro Grants

In 2021, thanks to the generosity of Linkwest and the Loftus Community Centre Management Committee, a further 15 purple benches have been installed at Centres across Western Australia.

The Linkwest Purple Bench Micro Grants assist Linkwest member Centres with the cost of materials to transform an existing bench, or to subsidise the cost of purchasing a new bench.

Purple benches were launched in 2015 in Canada, where they are located in public parks to honour the memory of women murdered by their partners and to provide help for people experiencing Domestic Violence.

"…by placing the purple bench in a very public area I hoped that not only would it be a symbol to honour the victims of family and domestic violence (FDV), but that it would generate conversation, raise awareness, show people that may be experiencing FDV that we support and acknowledge them and to provide numbers for people needing help" explains Petra Thompson from Denmark Community Resource Centre.

In part due to Linkwest's three completed micro grant rounds, our network of Centres is part of a growing footprint of purple benches across Western Australia, providing a highly visible reminder of the issue of Domestic Violence. This micro grant program has now helped with the installation of 47 purple benches at Centres across WA so far.

“We chose to have a Purple Bench to promote awareness of family and domestic violence and to provide a contact number for help. We had great support from our community and local police at our morning tea to launch the bench in October.”
- Jacki Ball, Assistant Coordinator, Dumbleyung CRC
“The Hopetoun CRC felt this was an important project for town and wanted a bench that would last longer term, so decided to collaborate with the Shire to enable this. We feel the purple bench is an important initiative and we wanted to support the domestic violence awareness campaign. The bench in Hopetoun is situated at the beachfront ... and we hope the bench sparks a conversation.”
- Melanie Kerr, Hopetoun CRC
Purple Bench The Hepburn Centre“Domestic violence is an issue affecting all facets of society. Once considered a taboo subject, initiatives such as the Purple Bench project provide a visual reminder that we can no longer remain silent. The Hepburn Centre is proud to launch our Bench as a tribute to lives lost and lives affected.” 
- Helen Cocks, Executive Officer, The Hepburn Centre
Purple Bench Williams CRC“As a community group we deal with women of all ages and all socio-economic backgrounds on a daily basis and are aware that these women may have, at some time in their lives, been impacted by domestic violence. We placed the purple benches at our entry way, so all women know that the CRC is a safe haven for all women and their children”
- Williams CRC
Purple Bench Woodlupine FC“We recognise the horrific statistics regarding violence against women and believe that raising awareness can reduce the stigma and provide victims the courage to seek support. We do not tolerate any forms of violence or disrespect and will not be silent. Purple benches provide the opportunity to be a conversation starter for community members and symbolise that we are a safe place for DV victims. Our benches honour victims of domestic violence and remind their families that their loved ones will not be forgotten. ”
- Tanya McGrath, Centre Manager, Woodlupine Family Centre

Recipients of the 2021 Purple Bench Micro Grants

  • City West Lotteries House
  • Darling Range Seniors Hub
  • Denmark CRC
  • Dumbleyung CRC
  • Greenbushes CRC
  • Hopetoun CRC
  • Kulungah-Myah Family Centre
  • Meekatharra CRC
  • Meerilinga Kingsley
  • Meerilinga Woodvale
  • The Hepburn Centre
  • Westerly Family Centre
  • Williams CRC
  • Woodlupine Family Centre
  • Wyalkatchem CRC
  • Yangebup Family Centre