THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health
and Regional Services Delivery
8th
October 2009
A MILLION DOLLAR HOME FOR WELLBEING
ON THE TIWI ISLANDS
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, and Regional Services
Delivery, Warren Snowdon today officially opened the new Wurrimiyanga Wellbeing Centre at
Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory.
“The new centre is a welcome addition to the Tiwi Islands community and vital to improving the
health of the local people,” Minister Snowdon said.
“The need for a centre to deliver mental health, sexual health, environmental and public health
services and programs has long been recognised by the community, and it’s a great honour to be
part of its opening today,” he said.
The Centre was named a priority by the Traditional Owners with a $1 million dedicated to its
construction through the Community Benefits Package negotiated with the Tiwi Land Council in
exchange for a 99 year township lease over Nguiu.
“The Nguiu Wellbeing Centre complements the comprehensive primary health care services
provided by the Tiwi Health Service and will enhance critical and ongoing services to the
community,” Minister Snowdon said.
“Designed in consultation with the Traditional Owners, I am sure this purpose built open-plan
building will invite people in to access the centre, and I encourage everyone on the Tiwi Islands,
men and women, young and old, to make the most of this great new facility.
“From learning about life with diabetes, to drug and alcohol education, what to feed a baby, and
personal and household hygiene, the centre will reflect the social and cultural needs of the Tiwi
community in the delivery of important health education.
“The Rudd Government is working to close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation, but it can only be done by working together,
developing local strategies, and responding to local needs,” Minister Snowdon said.
In addition to the centre, the Rudd Government funds over $3.5 million in recurrent funding to
the Tiwi Islands Health Service, including a mental health professional, four aboriginal mental
health workers and several aboriginal health workers.
Media contact: Kate Sieper 0488 484 689
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