Western Australian aged care provider Juniper has officially opened 11 permanent staff homes in Fitzroy Crossing, in a move aimed at addressing chronic housing shortages and strengthening aged care services across the West Kimberley.
Located next to the Guwardi Ngadu Residential Aged Care Home, the new accommodation includes eight one-bedroom and three two-bedroom modular units designed to support staff delivering care to older people in Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities.
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell said the project represented a major investment in maintaining culturally appropriate aged care services in remote Western Australia.
“We are delighted to celebrate the opening of accommodation to support and sustain our staff,” Mr Bricknell said.
“Permanent, quality staff accommodation is vital in remote areas to help us attract and retain highly skilled aged care workers.”
He also acknowledged the longstanding support of Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation and its Fitzroy Workers Camp, which has historically provided housing for Juniper employees in the region.
The development was delivered with support from local organisations and community groups, including the Aboriginal Lands Trust and Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation, the Prescribed Body Corporate and native title holder for the Bunuba people.
The Australian Government provided funding through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Services Program.
Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation CEO Lisa Halton said housing shortages for essential workers in the Fitzroy Valley had reached critical levels.
“If we are not protecting and supporting our Elders to remain on Country with dignity and care, we are failing,” Ms Halton said.
“This accommodation is important in ensuring our Elders have access to the services and support they need to live safely, comfortably and with dignity, wherever they choose to be, she added.
The homes were constructed off-site and transported to Fitzroy Crossing, with local tradespeople undertaking site preparation, earthworks and utility connections. Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation also oversaw cultural and environmental monitoring during excavation works.
The project officially opened on Wednesday with a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and ribbon-cutting attended by government representatives, community organisations, residents and families.
Juniper currently operates three residential aged care homes across the Kimberley region, including Fitzroy Crossing, Derby and Kununurra, alongside community and home care services in Kununurra and Wyndham in the north of the state.
