In a significant development for Aboriginal visitors, the Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation in Western Australia has appointed the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation as its service provider. This milestone, reached under a service agreement with the Department of Communities, marks a crucial step towards providing culturally safe and accessible accommodation solutions for Aboriginal individuals traveling to the region.
Set to be completed by late 2025, the Short Stay aims to cater to Aboriginal visitors who are in Geraldton for various purposes, including accessing essential services, business, cultural engagements, or family reasons. This initiative addresses the growing need for supportive accommodations tailored to the unique cultural needs of Aboriginal people.
Partnerships and Services Offered
The Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation has a long-standing history of supporting the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal communities in the Mid West, Gascoyne, and Murch regions since its establishment in 1992. To enhance its service delivery, Bundiyarra has partnered with MercyCare, an organization renowned for its expertise in managing Aboriginal Short Stay facilities across Western Australia. MercyCare will provide mentorship and guidance through a collective governance model aimed at building capacity within the community.
The range of services that will be available at the Geraldton Short Stay includes guest management, transportation, meal provision, laundry, and cleaning, ensuring a comprehensive experience for visitors. The facility is being constructed by local builder GBSC Yurra, which is a registered Aboriginal business, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to community involvement.
Facility Details and Community Impact
Once completed, the Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay will accommodate up to 100 guests across 44 units. This includes 16 single/couple rooms, 14 family rooms, and 14 universally accessible rooms. This new accommodation will be the fourth dedicated Short Stay service in Western Australia, joining existing facilities in Kalgoorlie, Derby, and Broome, all of which have successfully served Aboriginal communities.
The establishment of this Short Stay is a vital component of the State Government’s All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030. This strategy aims to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the needs of the Aboriginal community in the region.
For more information on the Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay and its services, interested parties can visit the official website. This project not only enhances accommodation options but also symbolizes a step forward in recognizing and addressing the unique needs of Aboriginal visitors in Western Australia.
