Minister helps boost indigenous health worker training

17/5/01
Training of Western Australia's indigenous health workers was boosted today when Employment and Training Minister John Kobelke opened new state-of-the-art facilities for Marr Mooditj Aboriginal Health Worker College.
Based at Clontarf Aboriginal College, the new facilities include teaching rooms, an administration building and a clinical skills room. Construction involved the modification of a heritage building that dates back to the turn of the century.
The facilities were funded by the Australian National Training Authority, the Western Australian Department of Training and Employment and the Western Australia Lotteries Commission.
Mr Kobelke said better trained health workers went a long way towards helping many Indigenous people who did not enjoy the same level of health and longevity as other Western Australians.
"Marr Mooditj has been a leader in the training of Indigenous people in health related fields for many years," he said.
"These new training facilities will ensure that Indigenous people will be involved in the delivery of their own health services in years to come."
The new clinical skills room has been dedicated to Dr Joan Winch, founder and past director of the Marr Mooditj Aboriginal Health Worker College.
Marr Mooditj is an indigenous-governed, independent health-training provider that had its origins within the Aboriginal Medical Service.
Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9222 9211