Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt and ACT Minister for Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith today announced $4.5 million in new funding for Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.
The Commonwealth Government is committing $4.5 million in 2020-21, though the ACT Government, to enable Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services (Winnunga AHCS) to complete the build and fit-out of its new, purpose-built facility in Narrabundah.
The Winnunga AHCS health facility is designed to combine clinical and community health services provision with broader social health and community programs, policy development, research and advocacy, training and community events.
This funding will ensure Winnunga AHCS is able to achieve its aspiration of a truly holistic health and community services building, where all its health services can be delivered in a seamless way.
The full fit-out of the building’s first floor will include a new state-of-the-art dental facility, as well as enabling the social health and research teams to move into the new building. This reflects Winnunga’s commitment to treating the whole person, which is critical if we are to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing outcomes.
“Every year more than 5,000 people use the services of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services. Winnunga plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT and surrounding regions.
“This funding will enable Winnunga to build on the current services offered, expanding its holistic approach to healthcare and improving the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said Minister Hunt.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government was pleased to secure the additional funding for Winnunga AHCS.
“The ACT Government has invested $13.5 million to develop, design and build Winnunga’s new purpose-built facility. I am pleased to have been able to secure this additional funding in a timely way, providing certainty for Winnunga and ensuring it is able to move ahead with the final stages of this important project for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
“This project has been entirely driven by Winnunga, reflecting the ACT Government’s commitment to self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.
“This funding is an example of the ACT Government working collaboratively with the Commonwealth to deliver real outcomes for our community,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Winnunga CEO Julie Tongs has welcomed the joint announcement today.
“I want to thank Minister Stephen-Smith for her advocacy on behalf of Winnunga to Minister Hunt.
“Winnunga is an integral part of the overall health system in the ACT and it gives me great comfort knowing that my people will have a finished fit for purpose health facility that will allow us to deliver our comprehensive health social services into the future,” said Julie Tongs.
