The Australian Government will fund construction of a new purpose-built, 40-bed residential aged care home in Halls Creek in remote Western Australia.
The new home is backed by a $42.5 million investment through the Government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) and will be built by the Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation.
The new home will be specifically designed to provide culturally safe and appropriate care to older First Nations people with a range of needs, including dementia, complex conditions and palliative care – ensuring they have access to the care they need and deserve, while remaining connected to family, community, culture and Country.
The project will replace the existing 28-bed Menkawum Ngurra Elders Residence, which is the only aged care home within 350 kilometres of Halls Creek.
This investment builds on $5 million provided to Yura Yungi when it took over management of Menkawum Ngurra in 2024, to enhance resident safety, ensure continuity of care, upgrade infrastructure and equipment, and support workforce recruitment and retention.
Since 2022, the Albanese Labor Government has invested over $1 billion in ACCAP funding to boost the supply and quality of residential aged care in every corner of the country.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae:
“The Albanese Labor Government’s record investment in aged care is supporting older Australians to access safe, high-quality care, regardless of their background, life experiences or where they live.
“We know how critical it is for First Nations Australians to receive culturally safe aged care close to home, so they can remain connected to family, community, culture and Country.
“Through this project and others funded through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, we’re stepping in to make sure every older Australian gets the care they need – no matter where they live.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Rebecca White:
“We believe First Nations people should be supported to live on Country, without having to compromise on the aged care services they deserve.
“This funding is part of our ongoing efforts to Close the Gap in aged care infrastructure and will help us to deliver better aged care for First Nations people.
“As a Labor Government, we’re proud to be backing Yura Yungi to deliver quality aged care that draws on community connections and cultural knowledge.”