2 October 2022
The Territory Labor Government believes in Local Decision Making.
Recently, Red Lily Health Board assumed operations of the Primary Health Care Clinic in the West Arnhem community of Warruwi.
NT Health has worked with Red Lily, the Commonwealth Government and the Northern Territory Primary Health Network (PHN) to transition operations to Aboriginal community control in West Arnhem in line with community needs, and will continue to provide support.
The Red Lily Health Board consists of representatives from areas including Warruwi, Minjilang, Gunbalanya, Jabiru and surrounding homelands.
The transfer of decision making of the Warruwi Community Health Centre to Red Lily follows the successful transition of the Minjilang Primary Health Care Centre to Red Lily on 1 July 2021.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
"Local Decision Making is the Territory Labor Government's commitment to provide opportunities to transfer government service delivery to Aboriginal people.
"Congratulations to the Red Lily Health Board on their commitment over many years and their diligence in successfully transitioning the health service to community control.
"Increasing community involvement in the planning and delivery of health services brings additional health benefits to local residents. We have seen a smooth transition from NT Health to Red Lily with a majority of local staff remaining in the primary health care clinic.
"This is all about putting the rights of remote communities first and giving Aboriginal Territorians access to appropriate health care which suits their needs."
Quotes attributed to the Member for Arafura, Lawrence Costa:
"We know how important it is to have the very best health care accessible to Territorians, whether they live in the bush, or in the city.
"The transition to the Red Lily board will provide the community with local decision making opportunities."
Quotes attributed to the Chair of the Red Lily Health Board, Reuben Cooper:
"Red Lily Health Board welcomes the transition from NT Health and thanks all NT Government representatives for their hard work and assistance in the process.
"The transition of Warruwi represents another major step for the people of West Arnhem, in having greater control over their own health and the related services. Red Lily has also had great support from the wider ACCHO sector, including from AMSANT, Mala'la, Miwatj and the Katherine West and Sunrise Health Boards.
"Work on the transition of the remaining West Arnhem health centres will continue to be a goal for the Board. Red Lily will continue to work to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of the West Arnhem region."
Northern Territory Government
