Manayingkarirra Primary Health Centre in Maningrida has been handed over to Aboriginal control, as part of the Territory Labor Government’s commitment to local decision making.
Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation are now overseeing the delivery of health care services for the community, and surrounding homelands in Central Arnhem Land.
Maningrida is one of the Territory’s busiest remote health centres. It carries out 4,000 consultations per month for more than 2,700 residents.
NT Health has worked together with Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and the Commonwealth to transition the delivery of acute and emergency illness management and primary health care programs to Aboriginal community control.
The transition of services was carried out in a staged approach:
· Phase one included the transfer of the outstations, men’s health, child health and rheumatic heart disease programs, and was completed in October 2019.
· Phase two saw the transition of the remaining preventive primary health care programs, and this was completed in July 2020.
· Phase three saw the funding for ten nurse positions to deliver acute and emergency care. This was completed in February 2021.
Management of the Maningrida Morgue was transitioned to the community in February last year.
Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
“I congratulate the Mala’la Board and Management Committee for the successful transition of health services in Maningrida.
“I acknowledge the hard work that has been carried out by the Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson, Charlie Gunabarra AM and Chief Executive Officer, Ray Matthews and their teams.
“Increasing community involvement in the planning and delivery of local health services will have flow-on benefits for the community.
“The Territory Labor Government is committed to supporting local decision making and protecting Territorians.”
Quotes from Local Member, Lawrence Costa:
“This is an exciting step forward for the community of Maningrida and for Central Arnhem Land.
“The handover will provide local residents with a greater opportunity to influence the type and cultural appropriateness of health services offered.
“This shows the Territory Labor Government backs the bush and is committed to providing the very best health care to Territorians, no matter where they live.
