New milestone for Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation

• Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation appointed service provider for the Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation
• Partnership with MercyCare will strengthen governance, mentoring and capacity
• Geraldton Short Stay will be WA's fourth dedicated short-stay accommodation for Aboriginal visitors to regional centres
• Construction on track for completion late 2025

The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation project has reached a major milestone, with the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation (Bundiyarra) selected to deliver services at the facility.

The project will provide a total of 44 units comprising 16 single/couple, 14 family and 14 universally accessible rooms that will be able to accommodate up to 100 guests. 

Bundiyarra will provide guests with services including meals, laundry and transportation.

The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation will be Western Australia's fourth bespoke facility providing safe, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation solutions for Aboriginal people visiting regional centres.

The site has strong cultural significance to the Yamatji people and has historically been a camping ground for travellers to the region. 

Bundiyarra looks forward to welcoming Aboriginal guests from across Western Australia.

Since 1992, Bundiyarra has delivered programs supporting the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal people across the Mid West, Gascoyne and Murchison regions, and have now partnered with MercyCare, who will provide additional support through governance, mentoring and capacity-building, drawing on their experience managing Aboriginal Short Stays in other parts of WA.

Construction by registered Aboriginal business and local Geraldton builder, GBSC Yurra, commenced in February 2024, and is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.

There are currently three other Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation services operating successfully in Kalgoorlie, Derby and Broome.

Comments attributed to Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn:

"The State Government is committed to engaging Aboriginal businesses in the delivery of services for Aboriginal people.

"Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation provides a safe and welcoming accommodation option for Aboriginal visitors to Geraldton. Short Stays play a vital role in reducing overcrowding and the resulting stress this can place on families and tenancies.

"The Geraldton Short Stay is a key component of delivering on the State Government's All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030, which aims to improve outcomes for Western Australians experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness."

Comments attributed to Housing and Works Minister John Carey:

"I would like to congratulate Bundiyarra for successfully tendering to deliver services at the Geraldton Short Stay.

"Its work will ensure that culturally appropriate, personalised support and services are provided to Short Stay guests.

"It's critical that Aboriginal people visiting larger regional centres from remote communities have a safe, stable and secure place to stay."

Comments attributed to Bundiyarra CEO Wayne McDonald:

"I would like to acknowledge the Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance who has since 2008 been advocating and lobbying government for a Short Stay facility, to provide an option for Aboriginal people coming into Geraldton from outer regions.

"I would also like to acknowledge the Board of Bundiyarra, Elders and the wider community who supported, contributed to and were instrumental in the fruition of this service for our community.

"The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation facility is a much-needed service for our community, that will provide tailored support many years into the future and is a great example of how listening and collaborating with Aboriginal people in community can provide improved outcomes, safer environments and culturally safe service delivery models through partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations and government.

"Bundiyarra looks forward to providing this service for our community, on behalf of our community, and in partnership with MercyCare and the Western Australian Government."