Local Aboriginal communities will have access to improved and upgraded health services with Murrumbidgee Local Health District receiving $63,000 for a Cultural Sorry Business Area at the Narrandera Health Service as part of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced this funding during a visit to Narrandera Hospital, stating that this area will meet the needs of the Aboriginal communities from the Wiradjuri Nation with culturally appropriate care.
“The NSW Government is focused on improving access to culturally safe services, and these programs will go such a long way in ensuring the delivery of effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities,” Ms Cooke said.
“This project includes signage, furniture, art, discrete screenings, and the ability to conduct smoking ceremonies, which will enable the period of cultural practices that take place after someone’s death to be performed.”
Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said 30 of the infrastructure projects will be in regional NSW ensuring communities across the state benefit from this program.
“This program is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people across rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said this funding will provide Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services with the funding they need to better support their local communities with optimal services and infrastructure.
“This important funding will deliver safe and effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across the State which are delivered by Aboriginal people, services and specialists,” Mr Franklin said.
The program will share the funding across 24 organisations for 45 infrastructure projects, which include upgrades to health services, refurbishments to staff accommodation and new mobile outreach vehicles.
