Local DecisionMaking has been put into the hands of a community controlled health board inJabiru.
The Red LilyHealth Board is now overseeing the provision of public health services inJabiru after the transfer of funding from Northern Territory PHN in April.
The TerritoryLabor Government is determined to restore local decision making to communities.
Minister forHealth Natasha Fyles has personally congratulated the board while they were inDarwin for meetings.
Most of theboard members have been on the board since 2008 and are confident they are wellprepared to deliver the care required by their communities. These communitiesinclude Gunbalanya, Jabiru, Minjilang, Warruwi, and relatedHomelands/Outstations.
RedLily Health Board has plans underway to broaden the promotion of health andwellness to the Aboriginal people of the West Arnhem region with Red Lily commencingplanning to transfer further health service delivery in the coming year.
Quotesfrom the Minister of Health, Natasha Fyles:
Transitioning healthservices to community control is a key election commitment of the TerritoryLabor Government and I look forward to Red Lilys success with managingadditional services in the year ahead.
The Red Lily Health Board members should berecognised for their dedication to promotinghealth and wellness to the Aboriginal people of the West Arnhem region.
Quotesfrom the Red Lily Health Board Chair, ReubenCooper:
TheRed Lily Health Board acknowledges the assistance provided over many years byelders and community members in the West Arnhem region as well as Top EndHealth Service, NT Health, AMSANT, Northern Territory PHN and the CommonwealthDepartment of Health.
Communitieshave local advisory groups who are actively involved in the community controlof health services to determine their priorities.
Quotesfrom the Member for Arafura, Lawrence Costa:
To builda strong Territory we must have strong communities. Transitioning to Aboriginalcontrolled health services is an important part of delivering this.
This is akey milestone for communities in West Arnhem Land.
Photo attached – Left to Right:
Andrew Bell (Independent Director), Rosemary Nabulwad (Director Gunbalanya Outstations), Mary Djurundudu (Director Warruwi (South Goulburn Island)), Health Minister Natasha Fyles, Reuben Cooper (Chair, representing Cobourg Peninsula), Steven Fejo (Director Minjilang (Croker Island)), Steve Hayes (Transition Manager).
