The expanding Wyanga Aboriginal Community Aged Care Program has a new base in Redfern to provide its quality home-based care to Indigenous elders.
The new premises were opened by Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, who praised Wyanga’s ability to ensure Indigenous elders maintained a vital presence in their community.
“Elders are the cornerstone of Indigenous people’s lives and this program helps support elders to remain in their home in their community as long as they possibly can,” Senator Vanstone said.
“Wyanga provides in-home help with meals, cleaning and maintenance, transport, organises community gatherings and outings and health awareness programs.
“Wyanga administers 40 Community Aged Care packages and employs 30 Indigenous people to deliver its services. It is an outstanding organisation and a great asset for Redfern.”
It is a far cry from the program’s humble beginnings in Waterloo, when founded in 1996 by Sylvia Scott and Mary (Megs) Silva.
The Indigenous Land Corporation, which is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, purchased the $940,000 property on behalf of Wyanga and funded $1.3 million in refurbishments. Wyanga’s services are funded by the Department of Health and Community Services, which will increase its funding to enable the expansion of the program.
ILC Chairperson Shirley McPherson said the ILC recognised the excellent work Wyanga had done over the years and agreed to help establish a permanent base.
“We purchased the property at 35 Cope Street in 2003 and recently completed a major refurbishment to bring the building up to contemporary standards,” Ms McPherson said.
“The new facility ensures the program has a high quality, accessible location, with elders from all areas given consideration for Wyanga’s services.”
Ms McPherson also commended Multiplex, who provided project management services free of charge.
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ILC Media contact: Peter Keough, (08) 8100 7106, 0409 090 852