7 December 2004
New Tiwi Island Clinic Opens Doors Today
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Marion Scrymgour MLA
Minister for Family and Community Services
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A $3.65 million medical clinic jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments will be given a traditional opening ceremony on Bathurst Island today.
The Julanimawu Health Centre at Nguiu will include a designated Accident and Emergency section and will be staffed by eight of the Territory’s most senior Aboriginal health workers, three nurses and two doctors.
Minister for Family and Community Services, and local Member, Marion Scrymgour said the NT Government funded the project’s design and management while the Commonwealth provided funding for the project’s construction.
She said today’s opening enabled traditional owners to view the centre and showcase it not only as a place to receive treatment but also a place in which good health stories can be shared.
“What is unique about this project is that a local working group helped in the design, development and construction of the health centre which is highlighted through its layout, the colours used and designation of a men’s and women’s area,” Ms Scrymgour said.
“There will be designated bush medicine gardens and the health centre is not only to provide treatment for serious health concerns but also help in facilitating healthy lifestyle and practices.
“Traditional Tiwi artwork is also being produced and will also be displayed on the exterior walls of the centre in the new year.
“This clinic will better fit the community’s needs with separate men’s, women’s and baby clinic whereas the existing clinic has only one consultation room for everyone.”
Ms Scrymgour said the NT Government is committed to creating better pathways to health services – as outlined in Building Healthier Communities.
“The NT Government is ensuring that our health and community services provide appropriate care as close to Territorians’ homes as practically possible,” she said.
“This means better health for Territorians, and a reduction in the need to travel to get treatment. It is also important that services meet the needs of the people they are servicing, taking into account their lifestyle, as has been done with this clinic.”
The Julanimawu Health Centre is expected to be officially opened early next year.