’We’ve finally achieved it so it’s testament to a job well done’: Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation takes control of the Manayingkarirra Primary Health Centre

ONE of the Territory’s busiest health clinics is now in local hands after a historic handover yesterday

Health Minister Natasha Fyles and Maningrida community members as the government handed over the health service. Picture: Supplied

ONE of the Territory’s busiest health clinics is now in local hands after a historic handover yesterday.

Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation has taken control of the Manayingkarirra Primary Health Centre in Maningrida as part of the NT government’s local decision-making policy.

Mala’la chief executive officer Ray Matthews said the handover from the NT Health Department was years in the making.

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“It’s something the community has wanted for over 20 years and we’ve finally achieved it so it’s testament to a job well done,” he said.

Mr Matthews said putting the clinic in local hands would lead to better health outcomes for residents.

“It’s not just about Mala’la it’s about the wider Maningrida community because they’re going to be the beneficiaries of community control in relation to primary health care services,” he said.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles and Maningrida community members as the government handed over the health service. Picture: Supplied

Mala’la chairman and director Charlie Gunabarra said it was an important day for a community that had to endure its recent challenges.

“There’s more people from homelands living in Maningrida so it’s a really tough life, you know, it’s life and death here and while we’ve got this Mala’la service running it’s something we’ve got to try and do better for our community,” he said.

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Mr Gunabarra said he hoped Maningrida – a town with a population of almost 2500 people – could one day have its own hospital.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the NT government was committed to giving Aboriginal Territorians greater control over their lives.

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