Opening of Wartu Kutju Aboriginal Corp Hostel in Kalgoorlie

June 28, 1996

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kevin Prince said a new hostel, opened in Kalgoorlie today, would significantly improve the quality of life for many of the city's fringe-dwellers.

Mr Prince said the $1 million Warta Kutju Aboriginal Corporation Hostel in Brown Street had been specially designed for fringe-dwellers to give them the opportunity of living in houses before moving to a home of their own.

"This hostel represents an important new phase in the life of these people," he said.

"It will help them make the transition from a life on the edge of the community towards a more secure lifestyle."

Mr Prince said five miners' cottages on the Brown Street site were bought in 1991 by the former Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority as a short-term solution to the fringe-dwellers' accommodation problems.

"Later that year, the Warta Kutju Aboriginal Corporation was formed and joined forces with the Aboriginal Affairs Department, Homeswest, Aboriginal Hostels and other government departments to plan the redevelopment of the complex," he said.

The hostel is made up of eight single units, two two-bedroom units and a three-bedroom unit, and also features an art and craft centre, meeting room, kitchen and dining rooms and a garden where residents can entertain visitors.

"The hostel is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when Government departments and community-based organisations work in consultation and co-operation with each other," Mr Prince said.

Media contact : Steve Manchee: (09) 481 2133 Jenny Bassett : (09) 366 0300