SA Government announces major funding announcement for new agencies and projects on APY Lands

Joseph Guenzler Published August 11, 2023 at 6.00pm (AWST)

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Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher speaking at the new facility for SAPOL on the APY Lands (Image: supplied, South Australian government)

A new collaborative centre has been established on the APY Lands to enhance community safety through improved agency cooperation.

Known as the Umuwa Multi-Agency Facility, this establishment received joint funding from the Commonwealth and State Governments.

Comprised of a $13.924 million initiative, it also encompasses the construction of police facilities in Indulkana, Fregon, and Pipalyatjara.

The recently inaugurated facility, unveiled this week by South Australian Ministers Maher, Hildyard, and Szakacs, will serve as a hub for SAPOL and other essential agencies that deliver crucial child protection and family violence services within the region.

Notably, the Department for Child Protection (DCP) is among these vital entities.

With an investment of $3.6 million, this purpose-built multi-agency facility boasts state-of-the-art features such as forensic interview capabilities, family breakout zones, shared agency spaces, and advanced technology to enhance community connectivity.

"The opening of this new facility at Umuwa is a significant step towards improving community safety and child protection outcomes," South Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs said.

"Collaborative working between agencies on the APY Lands is pivotal to providing vital services in a wholistic and effective manner, particularly in policing, drug and alcohol services, child protection and domestic violence."

"Vulnerable people and families may be identified earlier, leading to targeted early intervention services that are coordinated across agencies.

By co-locating these agencies, a more seamless exchange of information is anticipated, leading to more effective coordinated service responses.

This collaborative approach aims to offer increased support to vulnerable individuals and families, contributing to an enhanced protective environment.

Katrine Hidyard MP notes how "child protection and family support workers in the APY lands face unique working conditions, working with families and communities providing intensive support to keep children and young people supported, safe and strong in their community and culture."

"Really important work will be undertaken by the incredible workers who use this facility and crucially, it will be undertaken in partnership with families and SAPOL," Ms Hidyard said.

"This collaboration is a really important step in ensuring the best practice and support can be provided APY communities."

Additionally, the State Government has just announced a funding injection of $1.043 million for a variety of projects aimed at enhancing conditions on the APY Lands.

There will be an extension of the Ernabella Arts Centre and endeavours geared towards elevating community safety.

*Kyam Maher outside of Ernabella Arts Centre, Australia's oldest, continuously running Indigenous Art Centre (Image: supplied, South Australian government)*

"The Ernabella Arts Centre in Pukatja is a place of cultural and national significance, known for its prolific production of Aboriginal art," Mr Maher said.

"This funding will go towards new building works that will extend the art centre, as well as make a studio more comfortable for artists."

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher, during his recent visit to APY communities including Indulkana, Mimili, Umuwa, and Pukatja, shared the announcements.

The funding allocation takes into account concerns voiced by community members during the Minister's visit to the Lands in April 2023.

Key projects set to benefit from this funding comprise:

A substantial sum of $722,000 allocated for extending and revitalising the Ernabella Arts Centre, a significant cultural institution as Australia's oldest continuously operating Aboriginal arts center.
An allocation of $30,000 for the creation of two new bus shelters along the Stuart Highway, near Indulkana. These shelters are intended to offer shade and protection for travelers journeying by bus between Adelaide, Alice Springs, and the Lands.
Enhancing security at Pipalyatjara Store with an investment of $270,000. This encompasses the installation of a new security system, fencing, lighting, and roof replacement.
An allocation of $18,000 aimed at the installation of five new street lights on the eastern side of Indulkana, a measure intended to bolster community safety.
A modest sum of $3,000 designated for the installation of new speed signs near Kalka Oval.

"We're also committed to the ongoing sustainability of remote communities in the APY lands, which is why we've funded a number of initiatives in direct response to concerns raised by those communities," Mr Maher said.

"Additional public safety measures include a new security system for the Pipalyatjara Store and street lights for Indulkana which will make a big difference to those communities."

"New bus shelters for the Sturt Highway near Indulkana will also offer much needed relief from the sun and shelter for people travelling to and from either Adelaide or Alice Springs."

These funded initiatives reflect the government's commitment to addressing pressing community needs and fostering improved conditions for the residents of APY Lands.