The Morrison Government has said it will deliver over $20 million to build a new aged care service for Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land, years after the project was first promised.
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The announcement comes just days before the Royal Commission into Aged Care hit Darwin to hear from those most effected.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said delivering safe, quality aged care services in remote areas is vital for maintaining strong communities.
"Our Government is committed to delivering aged care services for senior Australians in remote areas because it is important people are able to age where they have lived, worked and raised their family," Mr Colbeck said.
"For Indigenous communities in places like Nhulunbuy it is particularly vital that elders are able to maintain strong connections with country and remain leaders in the local area.
He said the Nhulunbuy Flexible Aged Care Service was designed in close consultation with locals to ensure buildings and outdoor spaces are appropriate for Indigenous cultural activities and customs.
The development of the Nhulunbuy Flexible Aged Care Service is a collaboration between the Commonwealth and Australian Regional and Remote Community Services.
ARRCS Group general manager, Tamra Bridges, said the partnership with the local community would also be important in delivering flexible aged care services in the area.
"We greatly look forward to partnering with local communities to help develop and implement culturally appropriate aged care services in East Arnhem Land and contributing to the improvement of aged care service quality and accessibility for Indigenous Australians," Ms Bridges said.
She said a key focus for ARRCS during the development phase will be to build a local skilled workforce from within the Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem Land communities.
Construction is expected to start in late 2019 and be completed in 2021.
New Northern Territory Country Liberal Senator Sam McMahon, welcomed the investment in local aged care services.
"This new Nhulunbuy aged care service will also provide the option of home-based care so that people receive the support they need in their own homes later in life," Senator McMahon said.
"Delivering this new service will also provide long-term jobs for local people to staff the new home and jobs during construction."
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