Maari Ma's New Primary Health Care Facility Official Opening
Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation’s new Primary Health Care Service in Broken Hill has been officially opened today by Board Chair, Maureen O’Donnell.
Mrs O’Donnell cut the ribbon to the state of the art premises in Argent Street this morning and said the building heralds in a new era of delivering health care to Indigenous people in the region.
She said it was a very proud day for the Board, the staff and all of the communities, and the official opening today coincides with Maari Ma’s 20th anniversary year.
Mrs O’Donnell said she was honoured to be the Chair of an organisation which started humbly 20 years ago, and which has grown to be the progressive and innovative health service it is today.
The facility was funded by Maari Ma, and the state and federal governments.
Maari Ma CEO, Bob Davis, said the building has been open for business since April this year and has been receiving plenty of praise.
“Staff and clients alike commend the building. It provides significantly more space for an increasing number of clients accessing services than was possible across the road in the former PHCS building.
“All primary health services and clinics currently provided by Maari Ma are being delivered from the new facility.
“In addition, Primary Care Specialist Services staff, including mental health workers and dietitians, are also located there.
“This is a tremendous asset for our communities and importantly we believe it will further help to close the gap in life expectancy for Indigenous people by being a more culturally sensitive, purpose built health care service” Mr Davis said.
Mr Davis thanked project managers Burns Aldis together with CPM Building Contractors, based in Mildura for their work.
Maari Ma will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a ball on Saturday the 26th September 2015 at the Broken Hill Civic Centre. Entertainment on the night includes comedian Kevin Kropinyeri as MC, Adelaide Band ‘Pulse’, Singer/Guitarist, Paige Renee and Didgeridoo player, Anthony Haywood.
Mr Davis said a trailer of the Maari Ma story will also be played on the night and is a shortened version of an hour long documentary that will be officially launched on the actual date of the 20th anniversary – November 23rd.
ENDS
25th September 2015