Carnarvon's $19.1 million residential care facility will be named Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care, which means 'our home' in the local Inggarda language.
As part of its commitment to developing health services that are culturally welcoming, WA Country Health Service consulted with the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre and senior Inggarda elders on an inclusive Inggarda name for the facility.
The name 'Gnullingoo Mia' (pronounced Null-ing-oo My-ah) comes from the Inggarda words 'Gnulli'; which means all of us, and 'Mia'; which is home, so the translation into English is; 'our home'.
Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care will be co-located at Carnarvon Hospital to enable integration with other health services.
The 38-bed facility includes accommodation for couples and family members, and ensures local people feel at home while accessing culturally sensitive care in their local community.
Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care is on track with practical completion expected in late 2021, enabling new residents to occupy the facility in early 2022.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"As we count down to NAIDOC Week and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, I am pleased to be able to announce that Carnarvon's residential care facility will be named Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care.
"The development of the Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care facility is extremely close to the people of Carnarvon and ensuring the name represents the history, culture and achievements of the Inggarda people has been a priority for the WA Country Health Service.
"Once established, Gnullingoo Mia will have state-of-the-art technology that will play a huge role in improving patient experience and giving people treatment close to home.
"This is further demonstration of our ongoing commitment to providing care closer to home for country communities."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
"It is great to hear that the new $19 million residential care facility will be named Gnullingoo Mia.
"Local elders have been consulted on the name, which means 'our home', and are looking forward to the opening at the end of the year.
"I am proud to be part of the McGowan Government that delivers for regional people, in culturally sensitive ways."