Halls Creek is set to receive a new 40-bed aged care home, with a $42.5 million federal government investment aimed at providing culturally safe care for First Nations Elders without having to leave Country.
The new purpose-built residential aged care facility will replace the existing 28-bed Menkawum Ngurra Elders Residence, the only aged care home within 350 kilometres of Halls Creek.
The project will be delivered by Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation, with construction expected to begin in the second half of 2027 and practical completion targeted for June 30, 2030.
Yura Yungi chief executive officer Brenda Garstone said the investment marked an important milestone for the organisation and local community.
"This is an exciting new chapter for Yura Yungi Medical Service and for our Elders and community," she said.
The new facility will be designed to meet the needs of older First Nations people requiring a range of care, including dementia support, complex conditions and palliative care.
Ms Garstone said the transition from Menkawum Ngurra to the new 40-bed home would be carefully planned to protect existing residents and maintain continuity of care.
"The wellbeing, safety and continuity of care of our current residents remains our highest priority," she said.
"Residents and their families will be kept informed throughout the process, with transition planning undertaken well in advance of the new facility opening."
Community consultation is expected to begin in early 2027, with local Elders, families and community members invited to contribute to the design.
Ms Garstone said it was important the new home reflected the needs of Country, culture and the community.
"Yura Yungi Medical Service is committed to ensuring that local Elders and community members have a strong voice in the design and development process," she said.
The organisation's local Aboriginal-led Board will provide cultural guidance and oversight throughout the development.
Ms Garstone said local knowledge and community perspectives would remain central to the project.
"This local governance structure will help ensure that community perspectives, cultural knowledge and the needs of our Elders remain central to the development," she said.
The expansion will also create a need for additional aged care workers, with Yura Yungi looking to build on its existing local employment and training initiatives.
The organisation currently supports on-the-job training through the Indigenous Employment Initiative Program and works with Job Pathways to assist local recruitment.
However, Ms Garstone said partnerships with government and education providers would be essential to developing the workforce needed to operate the expanded service.
"Aged care requires specific skills, qualifications and levels of training to ensure we can provide safe and high-quality care to our Elders," she said.
"Yura Yungi cannot build this workforce alone. We need to work in partnership with government, TAFE and education providers to expand the education and training opportunities available to our community."
Federal Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said the funding would help older First Nations Australians access quality care while remaining connected to their communities.
"We know how critical it is for First Nations Australians to receive culturally safe aged care close to home, so they can remain connected to family, community, culture and Country," Mr Rae said.
Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Rebecca White said First Nations people should be able to access appropriate aged care on Country.
"We believe First Nations people should be supported to live on Country, without having to compromise on the aged care services they deserve," Ms White said.
The $42.5 million commitment, delivered through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, builds on $5 million provided to Yura Yungi in 2024 when it took over management of Menkawum Ngurra.
