Wyn Carr House Complete

Just 18 months ago, we were reporting on how many hands were turning the first sod on the Wyn Carr House project in Freo. Well, now the plan of Uniting WA and HAA to assist older, vulnerable women is a reality. Here’s our story!

On 30 April 2026, Wyn Carr House was formally opened by the state Minister for Housing and Works, John Carey and Minister for Homelessness, Matthew Swinbourn. 

Wyn Carr House is a very impressive project to assist the housing of older, vulnerable women. The idea is now a reality, and has come about because so many wonderful organisations got behind Uniting WA and HAA – Housing All Australians – to make it happen.

An historic Fremantle property has been refurbished to continue its legacy of support for vulnerable women. It ran as a women’s refuge from 1978 – 2019, and is named after Winifred (Wyn) Emily Carr – a prominent community leader respected for her lifelong service to women experiencing disadvantage.

The old house has been transformed into the new development through a multi sector partnership, spanning, state government, private enterprise, community services, and philanthropic support. It was also significantly back by approximately $7 million in state government funding, including $2 million from LotteryWest and well over 1 million in pro bono services and donated or discounted materials coordinated through HAA. 

Community services provider Uniting WA will deliver onsite case management ensuring residents at Wyndham Carr House receive the tailored support they need to rebuild their lives.

Jen Park, Uniting WA’s co-Chief Executive Officer said that ‘Wyn Carr House, exemplifies Uniting WA’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing security for older women.’

Ms Park added that: ‘These women need more than a roof over their heads, they need sustainable accommodation for a period of time with flexible, support services to help them rebuild, capacity and independence.’

Lee Rossetto from HAA explained that ‘Housing All Australians believes the housing crisis is too big for government to solve alone. It is a challenge for the entire community, including business and Wyn Carr House is living proof of what collective action can achieve.’

Major project partners included Cox Architecture, RPS Project, Management, MinterEllison, and a wide range of organisations that provided professional services, construction support, building materials and essential goods at low cost or pro bono.

In opening Wyn Carr House, Minister Swinbourn observed that ‘Older women are one of the fastest growing groups at risk of homelessness, and this project responds directly to that need’.

Minister Carey highlighted that the $7 million investment from the state government was ‘part of [the government’s ]record investment in housing and homelessness measures, including the delivery of more short-term and crisis accommodation with access to services and support’.

Local Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk said she was ‘proud to be part of a government delivering for older women experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.’

The building has been refurbished with trauma-informed design, which prioritises opportunities for residents to connect and thrive.  It provides accomodation and support services for up to 12 women.

Congratulations to all concerned. A wonderful initiative and a wonderful outcome.

By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News.

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