- Cook Government provides $830,000 for new return to community service
- WA Police to work closely with Summer Response
The Cook Labor Government has committed $830,000 for a new return to community service bus to be operated out of Kalgoorlie by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation.
The $830,000 will provide a secondary bus and with the support of extended partnerships including Department of Communities, WA Police, WA Health Services, Goldfields Women's Refuge, Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison and Aboriginal Family Legal Services will enable travellers to access a twice weekly consistent and reliable transport service.
The Summer Response - Safe Passage Home: Ngurrakutu Bus, will operate as a return to community transport service. The Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation (GIHO) currently operates the Ngurrukutu Bus service using a City of Kalgoorlie owned bus which is used to transport 15 people once a week.
The Ngurrukutu Bus offers a community led and culturally appropriate solution that is supported and delivered by an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation. In addition, the Journey Crew and Departure Crew have on Country and cultural connections to the region.
The additional bus will enable GIHO to assist large families, including pets, increasing the number of people travelling back to community each week to 55. It is estimated that the expanded service will support 1,300 people to return to community over six months.
WA Police will continue to work collaboratively with Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation, State Government agencies and other community services providers
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"We know that a highly visible police presence will keep the community safe during the summer period.
"This new bus service and $830,000 investment from the Cook Labor Government will play an important role in helping return people to their community who may have travelled to Kalgoorlie.
"These summer months are extremely busy, and the Cook Government is committed to supporting our cops and regional communities."
As stated by Homelessness Minister John Carey:
"Our Government has committed $830,000 to a new return to community service to reduce instances of rough sleeping and overcrowding in Kalgoorlie.
"The provision of a consistent and safe passage home for visitors to Kalgoorlie-Boulder from regional and remote communities will be critical in supporting the summer response strategy.
"We know that community members may be vulnerable when they travel to Kalgoorlie from other communities and may need assistance to access services and return home safely."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"This immediate action is a result of the Cook Government listening, engaging and acting to address our community needs.
"This additional $830,000 from the Cook Labor Government will ensure more buses and services are available to assist more people return to community.
"This will also increase access to advocacy and services, including Centrelink, medical services, FDV support, education and training.
"This new service will also provide up to 15 new local Aboriginal jobs for the Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation as bus drivers and journey crew.
"There is no simple solution to anti-social behaviour. Long term resolutions require a multi-agency approach. I will continue to collaborate, work hard and engage with all stakeholders on behalf of my community."
