A Million Dollar Home for Wellbeing on the Tiwi Islands
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon officially opened the new Wurrimiyanga Wellbeing Centre at Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory on 8 October.
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8th October 2009
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon today officially opened the new Wurrimiyanga Wellbeing Centre at Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory.
“The new centre is a welcome addition to the Tiwi Islands community and vital to improving the health of the local people,” Minister Snowdon said.
“The need for a centre to deliver mental health, sexual health, environmental and public health services and programs has long been recognised by the community, and it’s a great honour to be part of its opening today,” he said.
The Centre was named a priority by the Traditional Owners with a $1 million dedicated to its construction through the Community Benefits Package negotiated with the Tiwi Land Council in exchange for a 99 year township lease over Nguiu.
“The Nguiu Wellbeing Centre complements the comprehensive primary health care services provided by the Tiwi Health Service and will enhance critical and ongoing services to the community,” Minister Snowdon said.
“Designed in consultation with the Traditional Owners, I am sure this purpose built open-plan building will invite people in to access the centre, and I encourage everyone on the Tiwi Islands, men and women, young and old, to make the most of this great new facility.
“From learning about life with diabetes, to drug and alcohol education, what to feed a baby, and personal and household hygiene, the centre will reflect the social and cultural needs of the Tiwi community in the delivery of important health education.
“The Rudd Government is working to close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation, but it can only be done by working together, developing local strategies, and responding to local needs,” Minister Snowdon said.
In addition to the centre, the Rudd Government funds over $3.5 million in recurrent funding to the Tiwi Islands Health Service, including a mental health professional, four aboriginal mental health workers and several aboriginal health workers.
Media contact: Kate Sieper 0488 484 689
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