Major funding granted to Mala’la Health Service
The remote aged care service in Maningrida, Northern Territory, has secured $12.8 million in funding to upgrade buildings and improve a sensory dementia garden, among other works.
The Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation in Maningrida, Northern Territory, is set to receive $12.8 million in funding through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
The money will be used to:
- replace old building stock and to deliver four new rooms with ensuites
- refurbish kitchen facilities, including a new cool room
- delivery of new laundry and storage areas
- improvements to staff amenities and a new care parking area
- outdoor improvements including extensions to shaded areas and a new sensory dementia garden.
This funding comes in addition to the $2.4 million previously provided to Mala’la Aged Care Service to help support the delivery of home and residential care services under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care program.
The Aged Care and Community Services team at Mala’la is made up of 38 staff – with local Aboriginal community support workers making up 78 per cent of the team – and offers a 10-bed residential facility, home care packages and Commonwealth Home Support Program services.
Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour welcomed the funding.
“Our Elders and older people play an important role in our remote communities and it’s essential they are provided the very best care and support,” she said.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said: “This $12.8 million will help create better facilities for older Australians in Maningrida, building more homelike environments for residents and giving them access to comfortable, modern amenities and more liveable spaces.”
ACCAP funding saw $385 million delivered to 128 infrastructure projects around Australia in 2024 – mostly in regional, rural and remote locations.
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Congratulations on securing this funding to improving the facilities in Maningrida. So important for older people to receive aged care, all while staying connected to family and culture. Having recently consulted with older people in the communities of Milingimbi, Ramingining, Galiwin’ku, and Gapuwiyak about their needs as they get older, many said to me, “we want what Maningrida has for our old people”. Here’s hoping East Arnhem Regional Council and the government meet the need for 24/7 respite and aged care services for these communities too.