Joint media statement - Refurbished Derby Hostel now home to Kimberley community

Refurbishment of the Derby Hostel in Western Australia's Kimberley Region is complete, and the reinvigorated facility is now a temporary home to flood-impacted Fitzroy Valley community members.

Leased by the WA Department of Communities and operated by Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation, the hostel provides accommodation for community members from across the Fitzroy Valley whose properties are currently being repaired or rebuilt. The facility has been upgraded to accommodate people with complex health needs.

The facility can support a total occupancy of up to 40 people. To date, community members from across the Fitzroy Valley including Buruwa, Camballin, Darlngunaya, Muludja and Junjuwa have been accommodated at the facility.

The Albanese and Cook Governments are committed to supporting those in the Kimberley Region affected by the January 2023 flooding disaster through the provision of temporary accommodation on Country, or as close to Country as possible, while repairs or rebuilds of damaged homes are undertaken.

The Derby Hostel is part of a temporary residential accommodation program jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King said the refurbishment project was providing vital temporary accommodation support for affected locals.

"It's so important to have refurbished accommodation services up and running to ensure recovery efforts are targeted to everyone affected, particularly those vulnerable members of the community with health care needs," Minister King said.

"We want to get people back into their own homes as soon as it is safe to do so, but in the meantime this facility will ensure residents have a roof over their heads as recovery works continue.

"We will continue to work with all levels of government and community to help people recover and re-establish their lives following the devastating flooding."    

Western Australian Community Services Minister Sabine Winton said the Derby Hostel would ensure that flood-impacted communities could remain in the Kimberley while the recovery efforts were under way.

"This was the worst flood event our State has ever seen and community service workers and volunteers have done so much to support the people of the Kimberley," Minister Winton said.

Western Australian Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said it was important that flood displaced residents could access temporary accommodation that was not only suitable for their cultural and health needs but was also located as close as possible to country.

"It's great to see government and the Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation working together to refurbish and operate the Derby Hostel.

"The collaboration means impacted community members will have appropriate accommodation while we work to get them back in their homes," Minister Dawson said.