LINDA BURNEY MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS

MEMBER FOR BARTON

SUSAN TEMPLEMAN MP

MEMBER FOR MACQUARIE

An Albanese Labor Government will boost First Nations services in the Hawkesbury region by providing up to $150,000 to upgrade Merana Aboriginal Community Association’s premises.

The organisation’s Richmond site hasn’t had an upgrade for eight years, and a lack of private spaces for consultations as well as the deteriorated state of some outdoor areas has put a strain on the provision of services.

“Merana is providing important support and services to the Hawkesbury, but the lack of private spaces at the centre to run outreach services means appointments involving sensitive information have to be conducted in an open setting, or sometimes even outdoors – impossible under recent weather conditions,” Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said.

“This funding would be used to create a private area where people accessing these services can be more comfortable speaking about their issues.

“It will be used as a medical consulting room for everything from health screening to mental health consultations.

“The closest Aboriginal health services sites are at Penrith and Mount Druitt, both difficult to get to when you are relying on public transport.

“There is no outreach service to the Hawkesbury at present, but this upgrade will make it possible for improvements in health services to occur.

“The outdoor rubber surface at Merana is also severely degraded – so much so that it’s a trip hazard and too dangerous to use, so children have limited space to play.

“This funding will also pay for replacement of the old rubber surface to make it safer, giving the kids back their play space.

“We need to ensure the needs of our Fir