Kimberley health and wellbeing call to WA election candidates

By PETER ROWE

The Kimberley Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Sector has called on all political parties at the upcoming WA State Election to commit to vital investments in health infrastructure, service delivery, and community-led initiatives.

“Our sector delivers culturally safe, high-quality care that addresses the social and cultural determinants of health for Kimberley Aboriginal people,” KAMS chief executive Vicki O’Donnell said.

“We have the expertise, the trust of our communities, and the proven track record to deliver the solutions our people need.

“Now, we need political support and funding to expand our infrastructure, grow our sector, and meet the needs of our communities.”

KAMS want more investment in regional health infrastructure to deliver more services that include:

• Establish a Community Health and Wellness Hub at Halls Creek ($5m)
• Establish a Wellness Centre at Derby ($8.7m)
• Expand residential rehabilitation services at Broome ($5.6m)
• Establish a low to medium detox facility at Broome ($2.5m)
• Expand the Remote Health Centre at Bidyadanga ($5m)
• Expand the BRAMS Health Hub ($11m)

KAMS is committed to addressing the poor health and wellbeing outcomes for Kimberley Aboriginal people and communities.

“Expanding place-based, Aboriginal-led, and culturally safe services is crucial to achieving better outcomes and meeting the future needs of Kimberley,” the organisation said.

Their priority initiatives include:

• Establishing an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in Fitzroy Crossing
  ($500,000 for establishment costs)
• Continuing the Social and Emotional Wellbeing service to the Fitzroy Valley
  ($4,212,000)
• Transition the Lombadina/Djarindjin and Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) health clinics to
  Aboriginal community control

Kams also want more support in the Kimberley for community priorities including implementing the Commitment to Aboriginal Youth Wellbeing through a partnership agreement with the Kimberley Aboriginal Regional Governance Group.

Further funding the Kimberley Remote Aboriginal Communities Leadership Network is required, implementing the Halls Creek Renal Health Centre, Supporting the development of an Aboriginal-led regional Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan and Implementing the Kimberley Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Service.

“A challenge for the state of WA is to overcome the inequality experienced by Aboriginal people and to work towards achieving life outcomes equal to those of all Australians,” they state on their report.

“Nearly half of the region’s population identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and there are 30 distinct Aboriginal groups.

“But despite this cultural wealth, Kimberley Aboriginal people face significant health and wellbeing challenges.”