21/4/04
A hostel to provide medium-term accommodation to people being treated at Broome's renal dialysis facility was officially opened today.
Kimberley Minister Tom Stephens said the Broome Hostel was critical to the success of the dialysis project, which now catered for up to 40 patients a week.
Mr Stephens, representing Housing and Works Minister Nick Griffiths, said the $1.5million purpose-built dialysis facility and the hostel accommodation ensured patients were no longer required to travel to Perth for extended periods.
"Many Kimberley patients who had to travel to Perth can now be treated in Broome," the Minister said.
"Without this hostel, patients from the Kimberley would be homeless when they came to town for treatment.
"The hostel will also take some pressure off the Derbal Yerrigan-operated dialysis facility in Maylands, Perth."
Mr Stephens said capital funding for the hostel had come from the Department of Housing and Works' Community Housing Program through the additional $5.5million State Government funding provided for homeless people.
The 26-bed, alcohol-free hostel had a 24-hour on-site manager and a total staff of seven. Facilities included a manager's residence and office, substantial outdoor recreation areas and a swimming pool.
The dialysis unit was a joint venture between Royal Perth Hospital, the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service, the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council and the Broome Health Service. It would be managed by Aboriginal Hostels Ltd (AHL).
The hostel was bought for $825,000 and has had about $75,000 worth of modifications, including a commercial kitchen upgrade, wheelchair access to two bedrooms and one bathroom, car park, crossover paving and general maintenance.
Aboriginal Hostels Ltd contributed $25,000 toward the purchase price and would provide infrastructure funding to operate the building as a hostel.
Mr Stephens said the combined facilities would offer a much-needed local service to Kimberley people and bring financial benefits to the region, including employment.
"The State Government has a commitment under its Housing Strategy to deliver appropriate accommodation services for all homeless and disadvantaged people, and the provision of this hostel underpins our pledge," he said.
Minister's Office - 9213 6500
