$3.7m funding boost for East Pilbara region

The WA State government has announced a $3.7 million boost to extend operations of two important projects benefiting the Martu people in the East Pilbara.

As part of the funding the Martu Student Hostel in Newman will receive an additional $1.45 million operational funding for the 2025 schooling year.

The project, which received $4 million in funding from the State’s Recovery Fund in 2020, involved the conversion of three houses gifted by BHP to provide separate accommodation for male and female students, and a common administration and meeting place.

“Education and health services are a fundamental human right and an important building block in the development of children and broader society,” Regional Development Minister Don Punch said.

“The funding boost for the Martu student residential facility and The Jiji Program is an investment bringing opportunity to Martu children so they can become the leaders of tomorrow, while retaining a strong connection to culture and country.

Currently ten students are enrolled at the hostel, including two Year 12 students completing secondary school this year. These two students will be the first Martu to complete year 12 at Newman Senior High School.

The hostel has been endorsed and accepted by Martu parents as a unique opportunity for students to expand their secondary education in a safe and supported environment.

The project was developed by the Martu Schools Alliance in a partnership with Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation and the Pilbara Development Commission, operated by not-for-profit organisation 54 Reasons (formerly Save the Children).

“The Martu student residential facility and The Jiji Program will significantly support young Martu people to access a broader range of secondary and vocational learning opportunities,” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said.

In addition, the Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service Inc (PAMS) has also received $2.25 million to extend The Jiji Program for an additional three years.

The Jiji Program offers intensive occupational and speech therapy to children in remote communities of the Western Desert – Jigalong, Kunawarritji, Parnngurr, Punmu and Nullagine.

Specialists travel from Newman into the communities on a regular basis with the aim of improving Martu children’s health and education outcomes, and supporting access to PAMS clinics and its medical and other allied health services.

The funding will meet increases in service delivery costs, including the employment of a speech specialist and training and employment of additional Martu women in the communities to ensure the sustainability of the program.

The $3.7 million funding boost is part of the State Government’s commitment to support Indigenous families access a broader range of educational opportunities and health services in regional Western Australia.