Families in remote Kimberley communities are paying more for basics, however Fitzroy Crossing's Tarunda IGA is holding the line on city prices.
The price freeze comes after Dr Stephanie Enkel and her team at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases tracked the cost and availability of essential goods tied to the Healthy Living Practices framework.
Her research found a basket of essentials—soap, shampoo, laundry powder, fresh and frozen vegetables, fruit, antiseptic and bandages—costs up to $48 in remote stores, double the price in Perth or Broome.
The findings land as the region battles a diphtheria outbreak, a potentially deadly infection attacking throats, airways and skin.
Since late December, diphtheria has spread through the Kimberley, hitting Aboriginal communities hardest.
A diphtheria outbreak has been spreading through the Kimberley since late December, with most cases recorded among Aboriginal people. WA Country Health Service says the risk to the wider community remains low.
Diphtheria spreads through close contact, coughing or sneezing, and can infect the throat, airways or skin.
Good hygiene can't stop diphtheria outright, but it helps. Soap and water remove bacteria from skin sores, and bandages on wounds help contain the spread.
Dr Enkel told National Indigenous Times communities needed to have access to hygiene items and adequate housing to protect against the spread of skin infections.
"We can't keep asking families to change their behaviours when we're not amending the systems in which people live within," Dr Enkel said.
"I think there's certainly a link between the conditions that cause skin infections and the conditions that are driving the diphtheria outbreak, and it's just another example of how remote communities are being let down when it comes to basic costs of goods and infrastructure."
Between 2019 and 2022, the See, Treat, Prevent (SToP) Skin Sores and Scabies Trial found remote Kimberley stores often fell short. Shoppers could buy a full basket of essentials just 57 per cent of the time, with basics like hygiene and first-aid products frequently missing.
In Fitzroy Crossing, Tarunda IGA is making Closing the Gap on health outcomes for First Nations communities a top priority.
Wayne Bergmann, managing director of Leedal PTDY, an Aboriginal organisation which owns and operates Tarunda IGA, says the organisation is "very proud to provide a social impact in our region where we can keep prices as low as Perth across most of our goods".
"In particular, our board recognises the importance of providing nutrition for families at affordable prices, which is why we keep our prices as low as possible in context for being remote," Mr Bergmann said.
"As well as our introduction of the Gudwan program."
The Gudwan nutrition program cuts the cost of nutrient-rich foods at Tarunda IGA and Derby's Sampey Mini-Mart.
