The construction of the new $1.5 million facility in Giles Street has been funded by the Australian Government, with the Northern Territory Government providing ongoing operational funds.
“The new Yarrlalah Shelter replaces and upgrades an outdated facility in Katherine and will offer rehabilitation and treatment services to up to eighteen people.
“We know that excessive alcohol consumption is closely associated with a broad range of health, social and economic problems in all populations and has a particularly harmful impact on Aboriginal Australians, their families and communities.
“This upgraded facility will continue to be a valuable asset to the community because it will continue to operate as a safe place for people heavily influenced by alcohol who would otherwise remain on the streets, at risk of being harmed or of causing harm to others,” Mr Snowdon said.
Named Yarrlalah after consultation with Dagaman, Wardaman and Jawoyn people, the facility’s new accommodation, cooking and living areas, will encourage clients to return to a healthy lifestyle. The name Yarrlalah translates to feeling good and being safe and reflects the purpose of the facility.
Health Minister Kon Vatskalis said the NT Government will fund Mission Australia to run the facility.
“Mission Australia will help provide improved access towards rehabilitation and treatment services, which can help clients address substance misuse and other health issues.
“I am confident that this service will continue to support the valuable work being undertaken in the Katherine region to improve the treatment of alcohol misuse. It will also help reduce anti-social behaviour in the community.”
Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government is also providing $1.6 million for the construction of a new sobering-up shelter in Tennant Creek, with the NT Government providing operational funds.
The Australian Government is committed to working with the Northern Territory Government to Closing the Gap In Indigenous health outcomes by providing better access to a range of health and emergency and community services, particularly in remote and regional areas.
In 2010-11, the Australian Government is providing more than $16.3 million across the NT for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment.
Media contacts:
- Alice Plate 0400 045 999 (Snowdon)
- Maria Billias 0401 119 746 (Vatskalis)
Media Release issued by Warren Snowdon MP, Federal Member for Lingiari and Minister for Indigenous Health, and Kon Vatskalis MLA, Northern Territory Minister for Health
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