Nyoongar Patrol System will be able to expand its support and outreach services to Indigenous clients following its move to a new multi-million dollar inner-city facility at 35-37 Gladstone St, Perth.

The $2 million property was purchased through the Indigenous Land Corporation’s (ILC) Land Acquisition Program, with Nyoongar Patrol contributing $100,000 to the property purchase and Lotterywest providing $600,000 for fit out, furnishings and IT equipment.

The building was officially opened today by the Hon. Peter Collier MLC Minister for Energy; Training and Workforce Development; and Indigenous Affairs.

The ILC acquired the property in April 2011 to ensure Nyoongar Patrol had a secure base to expand its services across the Perth Metropolitan area. The property has since been granted to Nyoongar Patrol.

Nyoongar Patrol has a strong record of providing culturally appropriate early intervention services since establishment in 1998. The service was initiated by a group of Indigenous people and government and non-government agencies with a vision of providing culturally appropriate services to young unsupervised people who were at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system. Initially services were provided in the night precinct of Northbridge, but have expanded over the years to include the Cities of Vincent, Fremantle, Midland and Burswood.

ILC Chairperson Dr Dawn Casey said Nyoongar Patrol was providing badly-needed services to the Perth Indigenous community.

“It is the only night and day Indigenous patrol service that provides outreach support outside the traditional working hours to Indigenous people at risk in nominated locations across the Perth metropolitan area,” Dr Casey said.

“Last year, Nyoongar Patrol Outreach Services had 15,445 contacts with clients, including 4,507 provided with transport and 3,411 referrals to other services.

The new premises, with on-site training facilities and the eventual establishment of a Youth ‘One Stop Shop’ will lead to increased numbers of Indigenous people being employed and trained by Nyoongar Patrol, as well as increasing benefits to clients from expanding patrol, advocacy and referral services,” Dr Casey said.

It is expected that over the next three years, 48 Indigenous people will be employed in full time, part time and casual positions, and a further 40 trainee places will be provided. In addition, 90 Indigenous people will be trained in a range of courses including Certificate IV in Community Development, Senior First Aid, and Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.

Media enquiries to: ERIC ROBERTS on 0417 818482

New Perth inner-city home for Nyoongar Patrol