- Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service to deliver an Indigenous Healing Service in Newman and the surrounding Western Desert communities
- Services will support Aboriginal children, young people and families that have experienced or been affected by child abuse, family and domestic violence or both
- Services are anticipated to commence in late 2025
- Healing services one part of the $29.3 million Pilbara Safe Spaces program
Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service will deliver a new Indigenous Healing Service in Newman as part of the Pilbara Safe Spaces program.
The service will provide culturally informed, child-focused supports for children, young people and families affected by child abuse, family and domestic violence or both.
It will complement the Safe Spaces services which are expected to commence in several weeks to be delivered by Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Aboriginal Corporation and the Newman Women's Shelter in Newman.
Grounded in local and traditional Aboriginal healing practices, the service will operate from Newman and extend outreach to the Western Desert communities of Jigalong, Punmu, Parnngurr and Kunawarritji.
The Indigenous Healing Service is anticipated to commence in late 2025.
The Pilbara Safe Spaces program offers a temporary safe space and transport home for at-risk young people on the streets at night, along with follow-up supports such as life skills, education and employment pathways.
This program is being delivered in both Hedland and Newman through a $7.3 million State Government investment, alongside a $22 million contribution by BHP and Fortescue through the Resources Community Investment Initiative. In Hedland the program will be delivered by Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation.
As stated by Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The State Government is committed to supporting children, young people and families impacted by abuse and family and domestic violence.
"This new Indigenous Healing Service will draw on local knowledge and provide holistic, culturally informed therapeutic support where it's needed.
"Once operational, this service will strengthen support in Newman and extend its reach to some of the most remote communities in the Western Desert region.
"I want to thank Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Aboriginal Corporation and Newman Women's Shelter for partnering with us to deliver this life-changing service."
As stated by Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The State Government is always looking at new ways to employ local knowledge so we can get better outcomes for regional and remote Western Australia.
"Having community lead in responding to their own challenges typically leads to better outcomes in the long run.
"It is thanks to the collaboration between community, businesses and government that we are here today announcing a new service for Pilbara families."
