The Australian Government is supporting communities in East Arnhem Land to establish an Indigenous aged care service for local Elders that also creates and sustains local jobs.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, and Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt AM, said foundation funding of $340,000 would help the project begin.
“The first stage of development will involve community consultations to discuss job opportunities and the best service model to meet the region’s needs,” said Minister Scullion.
“Recruiting and training local Indigenous people to work in the purpose-built service will be a key consideration, with up to a dozen full and part time positions expected to be created.”
Minister Wyatt said this would empower local people through training and employment, while maintaining strong connections with their Elders.
“Locals will be involved from the ground up, to design a sustainable, culturally sensitive service, providing residential care and support to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, so they can stay close to their community and country,” said Minister Wyatt. “The East Arnhem community will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of the service, from planning through to operation.”
Australian Regional and Remote Community Services Ltd was selected in November last year to establish the service, after a competitive tender process.
Working in partnership with locals is vitally important develop and help deliver aged care for the Nhulunbuy community.
“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring all Australians have access to high quality aged care services that respect their cultural diversity,” Minister Wyatt said. “The new service is expected to open in late 2018, and will add to the existing 32 services, mainly in rural and remote locations, funded under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program.”
Community consultations will begin immediately and run until December.