A new child and family centre has officially opened in the remote Tiwi Islands community of Wurrumiyanga, bringing early childhood, family support and community services together under one roof.
The purpose-built facility is designed to improve access to services by providing a central hub where Tiwi families can access early childhood development programs, youth support, family safety services and gambling harm reduction initiatives.
The $12.4 million Pumulayu Child and Family Centre was funded by the Federal Government through the Aboriginal Benefit Account and developed in partnership with the Mantiyupwi people.
Mantiyupwi Family Trust chair, Jennifer Ullungura Clancy, said the centre represented an important milestone for the Traditional Owners and the wider community.
"Our Pumulayu Children's and Family Centre is the foundation stone to Mantiyupwi," she said.
"Tackling our social development and economic empowerment programs for the benefit of not just Mantiyupwi Traditional Owners, but to meet our Traditional responsibility to lift up all Tiwi and non-Tiwi people living on our land."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, who attended the opening of the centre on Wednesday, said the facility would become a focal point for families across the Tiwi Islands.
"The new Pumulayu Family and Child Centre will be a place for the Wurrumiyanga and wider Tiwi Islands community to come together and access services and support," she said.
"It is a significant investment in delivering integrated, culturally appropriate services for children and families, while also creating opportunities for local jobs."
The centre aims to strengthen local employment and workforce development by employing and training local staff to deliver community-led, culturally informed services.
During construction, four local residents were employed full-time, with one worker transitioning into an apprenticeship with SH Build.
Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour, said the project reflected the strength of the Tiwi community and the importance of investing in remote communities.
"The Pumulayu Family Centre will be a place Tiwis can come together to access much-needed services, but also to connect," she said.
"If we are to continue strengthening the bush, we need to invest in our people and our infrastructure. This will have an immense impact for our people and work to coordinate services — I am very excited for the people of Wurrumiyanga."
The multi-purpose centre includes indoor and outdoor activity spaces, family engagement and community gathering areas, and accommodation for visiting service providers to improve access to services and their continuity in the remote community.
The Northern Territory Government contributed $394,040 towards the project's master plan and concept design, as well as a further $3 million over five years to establish and operate the centre.
Northern Territory Minister for Children and Families, Robyn Cahill, said the centre would provide a safe, community-led space for children and families while supporting local employment.
"The Northern Territory Government is proud to back the Pumulayu Child and Family Centre, working alongside the Mantiyupwi people to deliver a safe, community-led space for Tiwi children and families," she said.
"Every Territory child deserves a safe place to learn, grow and stay connected to culture. This centre gives Tiwi families a place to access the support they need, close to home."
