New respite centre helps Aboriginal people stay on country

• Jigalong buildings repurposed to provide vital health services 

A new 10-bed respite centre has officially opened in the remote Aboriginal community of Jigalong, assisting sick, disabled and elderly people from the Martu and Western Desert communities to stay on country and access medical care.

The Jirlpimili Ngurra centre (which means Elder's Camp) is the result of an East Pilbara Independence Support (EPIS) project to repurpose an existing pensioner complex to provide respite care at Jigalong - 165 kilometres east of Newman.

The pensioner complex was originally built in 2009 with funding of $1.7 million from the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing.

The refurbishment began in February this year and was completed in May. EPIS contributed $100,000 to cover the cost of renovations, with an additional $20,000 from the Department of Communities.

EPIS, a not-for-profit Commonwealth-funded body, manages and operates the centre.

Comments attributed to Housing Minister Peter Tinley:

"The Jirlpimili Ngurra respite centre will meet a critical community need and enable many elderly Martu people from across the Western Desert communities to stay on country rather than re-locating to urban areas for their health needs.

"Through EPIS, the facility is expected to create training and employment opportunities for locals.

"The centre provides overnight respite care and a range of daytime services and support in a holistic approach that gives elderly Aboriginal people, the opportunity to access safe, clean accommodation and meals while maintaining their connections with family and friends.

"The centre will also enable people to be cared for while their carers take a break."

Minister's office - 6552 5300