$5.3 million towards Aboriginal health service at Whyalla, out of Albanese government’s $100 million announcement
Four Aboriginal community Controlled Health Organisations in SA will receive a funding boost out of the Albanese government’s $100 million announcement to improve health outcomes for First Nations communities.
SA News
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A primary Aboriginal health service at Whyalla in the state’s mid-north is set to receive a boost in infrastructure funding, with more than $5 million from the federal government announced on Friday.
Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc is one of four Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO) in South Australia to receive funding out of a $100 million grant from the Albanese government.
In all, the funding will be spread out to 33 ACCHO’s across the country, and will go towards constructing new clinics, renovating existing clinics and building staff housing for workers.
CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and Lead Convener for the Coalition of Peak, Pat Turner said it was a much-needed boost.
“Deteriorating and inadequate infrastructure can compromise service delivery, pose safety risks for patients and staff, and inhibit efforts to attract workers,” she said.
“This funding supports the critical role that ACCHOs play and the contribution they make every day in improving health outcomes for our people.
“The infrastructure funding needed in our sector remains a critical pressure-point and NACCHO will continue to advocate for increased funding for our sector.
Ms Turner said the funding was in line with the priority reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Other ACCHOs in SA include Tullawon Health Service Inc at Yalata with $1.1 million, Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, with $1.2 million and Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service Inc, with $390,000.
The new funding is in addition to the $120 million for 52 projects announced in December 2022, and the $15 million for 10 projects announced in May last year for ACCHOs.
Minister for Indigenous Australian, Linda Burney the government was committed to providing better access to primary healthcare for Indigenous people.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to Closing the Gap in health outcomes,” she said.
“Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services provide crucial medical care and are often the only health service available in rural and remote communities.
“The new and upgraded clinics will make it easier for First Nations people to access primary health care.”
The grant opportunity was co-designed with NACCHO on behalf of the ACCHO sector.
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Originally published as $5.3 million towards Aboriginal health service at Whyalla, out of Albanese government’s $100 million announcement
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