A $326,450 grant from the Federal Government will allow the Wurli Wurlinjang Aboriginal Corporation to build a dental and oral health facility.

Senator Nigel Scullion made the announcement today.

Senator Scullion said the project was successful under the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream.

He said the project was a significant investment in improving health services for the Katherine region.

The project would extend the current hearing building of Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service's Main Clinic to construct the dental and oral health facility.

Wurli Wurlinjang Aboriginal Corporation CEO Suzi Berto said this was an infrastructure project that Wurli has been planning for many years.

“The day we welcome our very first dental client at Wurli will be a historical day, a day to reflect and a day to celebrate the hard work of our Board of Directors, our Community and our People.

“Wurli takes this opportunity to thank the Hon John McVeigh, Senator Scullion and Ms Price for their support in assisting us to achieve this significant milestone,” Ms Berto said.

“This will have major flow-on benefits across the community as it will increase access and opportunities for dental and oral health services and improve health benefits for the community; especially for the Aboriginal and Torres-strait Islander residents in the Katherine region,” CLP candidate for Lingiari, Jacinta Price, said.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community.

“Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream, the Coalition Government is investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total leveraged project value of $459 million,” Dr McVeigh said.