Construction completed on patient accommodation facility
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people visiting Townsville for medical treatment will have a comfortable place to stay, after the opening of the Yumba-Meta Supported Transitional Health Accommodation in Rasmussen today.
The centre was partly funded through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, which contributed $2.9 million of the $5.4 million project.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said it was important that people who visit from outlying remote communities for medical treatment had a safe place to stay.
“The people and their families who’ll be staying here will be going through some of the most trying times of their lives so it’s vital they have somewhere to spend a few nights,” Mr Thompson said.
“Usually these medical treatments require follow-up appointments and check-ups so patients need to stay near the hospital for days or even weeks at a time, meaning it just isn’t possible for them to make the expensive trip home.
“I’m very proud to have been able to be involved in getting this project off the ground with federal funding – not only because of the positive impact it will have, but the 63 jobs that were created during construction, and the 11 ongoing jobs.”
CEO Dushy Thangiah said Yumba-Meta Limited was continuing its legacy of advocacy for disadvantaged people by launching the first patient transition accommodation for Queensland, delivering accommodation and culturally appropriate support services to vulnerable North Queenslanders with a focus on health needs.
“Yumba-Meta has been leading the Housing agenda in North Queensland for over 47 years and continues to advocate for sustainable solutions for disadvantaged people. We have set out to design and construct a facility that meets the cultural needs of our cohort.,” Ms Thangiah said.
“Our experience working in the homelessness space in Townsville demonstrated the need to provide appropriate accommodation and support to those travelling from remote communities to access medical care.”
The facility includes 16 dedicated spaces for men and 8 dedicated spaces for women, four family units, kitchen facilities, laundry facilities, bathroom facilities, two treatment spaces, reception and office space, green spaces and car parking.
The Australian Government is investing $1.29 billion from 2017–18 to 2024–25 in the Building Better Regions Fund.
The Building Better Regions Fund aims to create jobs, drive economic growth, and build stronger regional communities into the future.
ENDS