A landmark milestone has been reached for Aboriginal Elders in Western Australia, with development approval granted for the state’s first Aboriginal aged care facility to be built in the Perth metropolitan area.
The $89 million, 100-bed Sister Kate’s Health and Aged Care Facility in Queens Park will deliver culturally safe, high-quality care for Aboriginal Elders from across WA, integrating aged care, health, and wellness services with education and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
The project is being developed by Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group, in partnership with the Sister Kate’s Children 1934–1953 Aboriginal Corporation, founded by former residents of the original Sister Kate’s Home — Aboriginal children who were part of the Stolen Generation.
Hall & Prior will operate the new facility under a long-term lease from Sister Kate’s, with construction expected to begin in early 2026 and completion targeted for 2028.
“Our partnership with Sister Kate’s ensures the care of our residents will be guided by cultural values and community leadership, and we are honoured to bring this vision to life.”
Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior AM
A culturally-led model for Aboriginal aged care
Building on more than two decades of Hall & Prior’s work with Aboriginal communities through its Aboriginal Care Program and Back to Country initiative, the new facility will combine heritage, culture, and contemporary care design.
Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the facility will be built alongside existing seniors’ units owned by Sister Kate’s. Its key features will include:
- A ground-floor hub with 70 rooms (100 beds), communal living and dining spaces, wellness centre, and hydrotherapy pool.
- An upper floor with dialysis treatment beds, staff facilities, and dedicated training areas.
- Integration of the heritage-listed chapel, which will remain an active part of the community.
The Sister Kate’s project delivers directly on recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety for Aboriginal-led, culturally safe care. It also supports the Commonwealth’s Closing the Gap objectives by creating training and employment pathways for Aboriginal people in the health and aged care sectors.
“The facility will be the first of its kind in WA — a centre of excellence for how to best provide health and aged care services for the Aboriginal community,” said Dr Sue Gordon AM, Chairperson of Sister Kate’s.
“It will also create sustainable career pathways and strengthen partnerships across Aboriginal organisations,” Dr Gordon added.
The project has received $25 million from the Commonwealth Government through the Capital Assistance Program, and a further $25 million from the Western Australian Government via direct grants and concessional loan arrangements.
