Govt funds NFP's second aged care home rebuild in four years
ARRCS secures funding for remote Indigenous aged care rebuild
- Major investment: $34.6m redevelopment approved for NT aged care home
- Culturally focused: New design to reflect local Indigenous community needs
- Modern care: Project includes palliative suite and upgraded clinical hub
- Long-term pipeline: Construction targeted for completion by early 2028
A second remote aged care home is set for a major redevelopment, backed by a new round of Federal Government funding.
The Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS), part of Not For Profit UnitingCare Queensland, has confirmed its 25-bed Pulkapulkka Kari Nursing Home and Hostel at Tennant Creek, around 1,000km south of Darwin and 500km north of Alice Springs, will be rebuilt through a $34.6 million grant from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
The project follows an earlier Commonwealth-funded $39 million redevelopment announced in 2022 for ARRCS’s 25-bed Tjilpi Pampaku Ngura Flexible Aged Care service in Kaltukatjara, a remote Indigenous community southwest of Alice Springs.
Speaking to The Weekly SOURCE, ARRCS CEO Wendy Hubbard said the new Pulkapulkka Kari development would focus on cultural design and improving the care environment for residents.
“The redevelopment will deliver culturally appropriate residential rooms and shared spaces, a dedicated palliative care suite, and a modern clinical hub,” Wendy said.
“Importantly, the redeveloped facility will maintain its current capacity of 25 beds while significantly enhancing the quality, functionality, and cultural relevance of care environments.”
The project is in the design phase, with construction expected to be completed by early 2028.
ARCCS says the design team will engage with local community to ensure the new facility reflects local culture, needs and aspirations.
Northern Territory Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Steven Edgington MLA (pictured above, centre left) visited the facility last month to discuss the future plans.
The project team includes:
- Lead Consultants Pty Ltd: Project Management
- Troppo Architects: Principal Design Consultant
- Serrata Landscape Architects: Landscape Architect
