Pictured above are Jane Murphy, Yvonne Lennox, Jo Osgood, Lea Mohd Idrus, Chris Baird, Lara Hull and Dean Baker.
‘Dawang ngoondenginga birrji-gerring gerlgawoolganga-woorr’ (or good place for old people to live peacefully) officially opened last week, providing unique culturally appropriate social housing catering for Aboriginal people aged 55 plus and reducing the waitlist for this demographic by 55%.
In addition to reducing the waitlist the project is also about seeking better outcomes for older people through co-designing and listening to the strong Aboriginal voice in Kununurra.
The 16-unit Aboriginal Elders Residential complex was developed collaboratively through a reference group made up of the main Aboriginal Community Corporations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal agencies in the area. The units were refurbished by local organisation MG Corporation, a member of the group.
Wrap-around services are focused on being culturally appropriate and tailored to individuals with many parts of the Kununurra community coming together to deliver a range of health and aged care services with the aim of achieving peace and safety for everyone living at the complex.
An improvement in health and wellbeing has resulted, limiting overcrowding, elder abuse, and financial stress. Residents are also offered social and emotional wellbeing opportunities.
Read the media statement.
