A new multi-purpose service centre will make life easier for residents of the remote Northern Territory community of Borroloola, including those living with chronic kidney disease.
The Australian Government has provided the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust with $13.5 million for community development in Borroloola.
The investment will go towards building Borroloola Central, which will include a renal dialysis clinic, child and family centre, youth centre, Northern Territory Government service hub, and other important services including a pharmacy.
The government has committed an additional $4.02 million to establish the dialysis unit and associated workforce accommodation in Borroloola.
This funding is part of the government's $73.2 million investment in Better Renal Services for First Nations Peoples, supporting up to 30 dialysis units and workforce accommodation in remote areas of Australia.
Dialysis services will be provided to Borroloola residents with end-stage kidney disease by Indigenous owned and run Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation - also known as Purple House.
Indigenous Australian adults are twice as likely as non-Indigenous Australians to have chronic kidney disease and almost 4 times as likely to die from the condition.
Currently, renal patients in Borroloola have to travel to Darwin or Katherine to receive life-saving dialysis treatment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"This is another example of the Albanese Government's commitment to improving outcomes for remote First Nations communities by improving access to important services such as renal dialysis treatments.
"The new renal facility will allow patients to receive life-saving treatment on Country, in their community and near their families, leading to better health outcomes.
"The multi-purpose centre will be a vital hub for Borroloola, helping meet community needs."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Ged Kearney:
"Dialysis is life-saving treatment for First Nations people with end-stage kidney disease. Providing this closer to home means better health outcomes and better quality of life.
"On-country access to renal dialysis and support services will make it easier for people to access the consistent treatment they need for better life outcomes.
"Getting the care you need, where and when you need it, is hugely important to people with chronic illness. The new renal dialysis facility means Borroloola residents can spend less time travelling for treatment, and more time with their families and loved ones."
