New short stay facility in Kalgoorlie now complete

The construction of a new short stay accommodation facility in Kalgoorlie has been completed and will soon give Indigenous people from the Eastern Goldfields region a safe place to stay when visiting Kalgoorlie.

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Senator for Western Australia, Glenn Sterle, today welcomed the completion of the Kalgoorlie Indigenous Visitors’ Hostel, which will be open to visitors from 24 September.

“The Australian Government invested $2 million to build this new facility because we know how important it is for Indigenous people from surrounding areas,” Ms Macklin said.

“Many people come into Kalgoorlie to access vital health services such as dialysis treatment and hospital visits, as well as to visit family and friends.

“They deserve safe and secure accommodation, and that’s what this new facility will provide.”

In addition to Commonwealth funding, the West Australian Government contributed $1.25 million towards the construction of the hostel, and will support the Red Cross to manage its day-to-day operations.

Senator Sterle said the facility, which includes five new dwellings, a dining area, kitchen and bathrooms, had been warmly welcomed by the local community.

“This was built in direct response to the needs of Indigenous people living in the Spinifex lands,” Senator Sterle said.

“The facility will be able accommodate up to 20 people at a time, as well as having room for another 21 people in camp-style accommodation.

“We know that the lack of short-stay accommodation in the community has meant some people visiting have been forced to sleep rough in public places, or set up makeshift camps on the outskirts of the town centre.

“This new accommodation means they will no longer have to risk their health and wellbeing by sleeping out in the open.”

The Kalgoorlie Indigenous Visitors’ Hostel will contribute to the Government’s work to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.