Local decision making for primary health care in the West Arnhem Land community of Minjilang has transferred from NT Health to an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service - Red Lily.
Red Lily assumed operations of the Primary Health Care Clinic on July 1 and the community is now celebrating the milestone with a handover ceremony today following a period of transition.
The Red Lily Health board consists of representatives from areas including Minjilang, Warruwi, Gunbalanya, Jabiru and surrounding homelands.
NT Health has worked with the Commonwealth Government and Primary Health Network to support the transition and will continue to provide support.
The transition of the Minjilang Primary Health Care Centre provides local people with greater opportunities to influence health care services offered, including cultural appropriateness.
The Territory Labor Government has overseen the transition of primary health centres in North East Arnhem to community control including Yirrkala, Milingimbi, Lake Evalla, Ramingining and Maningrida.
Communities interested in progressing Aboriginal community control of remote primary health care services can contact AMSANT or NT Health.
Quotes from Health Minister Natasha Fyles:
"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 from Red Lily Chair 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 the Minjilang Health Centre has coincided with the recent passing of a significant former Red Lily Director and Member representing Croker Island, who was also a mentor and originator of Red Lily Health Board.
"The Minjilang community has requested the health centre continue to be named after Nellie Alabumbu and new signage is being procured.
"Red Lily will continue to work to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of the West Arnhem region."
