Apmere Mwerre Visitors Park funding offers safe accommodation

The Federal Government is to fund more emergency accommodation for First Nations families in Alice Springs.

The government has invested $4.9 million to expand Apmere Mwerre Visitors Park, providing 20 additional short-term beds.

Operated by Aboriginal Hostels Limited the park provides safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people, including women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

These new facilities will help ensure families have a secure place to stay when they need it most.

The expansion also includes improvements to make AMVP more comfortable for families including a renovated children’s playground and baby change area.

The investment is part of the Government’s landmark plan to deliver A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia (the Central Australia Plan).

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the investment was about dignity, safety and respect, ensuring First Nations women and children have access to a safe place to stay, especially in times of crisis.

“All women and children deserve to feel safe and supported,” she said.

More support

“Investments like this reflect the Government’s commitment to working with communities as part of the Central Australia Plan, listening to their needs and delivering practical support that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

Aboriginal Hostels Limited Chief Executive Officer, Shane Hamilton said the announcement strengthened capacity to support more First Nations people, including families, in need of a safe place to stay, especially in Central Australia.

“This investment will make a real difference in the lives of First Nations people and reflects AHL’s ongoing commitment to providing culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to community members and service providers AHL partnered with during this project, to ensure the upgrades were culturally safe, aligned with community expectations and successfully delivered.

“The expanded accommodation is a step towards growing our impact where we are most needed.  The vision is to be more than just an accommodation provider, we aspire to be a national leader in housing, healing and opportunity for First Nations people.”