Local Aboriginal communities will have access to improved and upgraded health services with the Upper Hunter Electorate receiving a share of a record $6.9 million as part of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.
The program will share the funding across 24 organisations for 45 infrastructure projects, which include upgrades to health services, refurbishments to staff accommodation, and new mobile outreach vehicles.
Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell said important projects including one for Aboriginal health staff and their clients in the region have received a share of the record funding.
“A key focus of the NSW Government is improving access to culturally safe services, and these programs will go such a long way in ensuring the delivery of effective primary health care services to our Aboriginal communities,” Mr Layzell said.
“Hunter New England Local Health District will provide culturally appropriate care to meet the local needs of the Aboriginal community and lead to better health outcomes.”
The successful project, which has been awarded $82,500, will provide a comfortable, collaborative, and culturally safe space at Singleton Hospital.
Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said 30 of the infrastructure projects will be in regional NSW ensuring communities across the state benefit from this program.
“This program is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people across rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
Nationals Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said this funding will provide Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services the funding they need to better support their local communities with optimal services and infrastructure.
“This important funding will deliver safe and effective primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across the state which are delivered by Aboriginal people, services and specialists,” Mr Franklin said.
