Uluru gets new X-ray machine, ending a 465km journey to Alice Springs for diagnosis

A new machine is making it easier for some Red Centre residents to get diagnosed properly – and saving them a 465km at the same time. Find out how.

Yulara now has a state-of-the-art x-ray machine, thanks to a donation from the Anangu Communities Foundation to the local Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Clinic. Picture: Supplied

A 435km journey has been slashed for Uluru residents needing an X-ray thanks to the installation of a new machine in a convenient location.

The Yulara community has a new X-ray machine, which has been funded by the Anangu Communities Foundation and delivered in partnership with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC).

CAAC medical director Dr Sam Heard said the Anangu foundation donated the X-ray machine to congress, allowing an upgrade to a “state-of-the-art” machine.

An X-ray from Yulara’s new X-ray machine. Picture: Supplied

“The quality of the images and the way that they appear almost instantly allow us to make decisions very quickly and send the images on to the hospital for viewing and reporting,” he said.

“Yulara is a developing service providing high level care for residents, visitors, and people with health problems from our surrounding communities.”

Previously, those in Yulara and surrounding communities who needed an X-ray had to drive to Alice Springs to get one – a 435km one way trip.

Yulara is located a stone’s throw from Uluru, with the local congress health clinic providing healthcare for local residents and residents from Mutitjulu, Kaltukatjara (Docker River) and Imanpa.

An aerial shot of Ayers Rock Resort with Uluru in the background. Picture: Voyages Tourism Australia

The Anangu Communities Foundation is administered by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, who oversee Ayers Rock Resort and more at Uluru.

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has funded more than $3 million in projects for the community.

Chief executive Matt Cameron-Smith said the projects are developed in partnership with the local community to “deliver real benefits in the areas of health, education, and social and economic participation”.

“We’re grateful to be able to play a meaningful role in the continued empowerment of Anangu, ensuring one of the world’s oldest living cultures continues to thrive,” he said.

Originally published as Uluru gets new X-ray machine, ending a 465km journey to Alice Springs for diagnosis