New milestone for Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation
The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation in Western Australia project has reached a major milestone, with the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Corporation (Bundiyarra) selected to deliver services at the facility.
The project will provide a total of 44 units comprising 16 single/couple, 14 family and 14 universally accessible rooms that will be able to accommodate up to 100 guests.
Bundiyarra will provide guests with services including meals, laundry and transportation.
The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation will be Western Australia’s fourth bespoke facility providing safe, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation solutions for Aboriginal people visiting regional centres.
- Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation appointed service provider for the Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation
- Partnership with MercyCare will strengthen governance, mentoring and capacity
- Geraldton Short Stay will be WA’s fourth dedicated short-stay accommodation for Aboriginal visitors to regional centres
- Construction on track for completion late 2025
The site has strong cultural significance to the Yamatji people and has historically been a camping ground for travellers to the region.
“I would like to acknowledge the Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance who has since 2008 been advocating and lobbying government for a Short Stay facility, to provide an option for Aboriginal people coming into Geraldton from outer regions,” Bundiyarra CEO Wayne McDonald said.
“The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation facility is a much-needed service for our community, that will provide tailored support many years into the future and is a great example of how listening and collaborating with Aboriginal people in community can provide improved outcomes, safer environments and culturally safe service delivery models through partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations and government.
Bundiyarra CEO Wayne McDonald.
“Bundiyarra looks forward to providing this service for our community, on behalf of our community, and in partnership with MercyCare and the Western Australian Government.”
Since 1992, Bundiyarra has delivered programs supporting the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal people across the Mid West, Gascoyne and Murchison regions, and have now partnered with MercyCare, who will provide additional support through governance, mentoring and capacity-building, drawing on their experience managing Aboriginal Short Stays in other parts of WA.
Construction by registered Aboriginal business and local Geraldton builder, GBSC Yurra, commenced in February 2024, and is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.
There are currently three other Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation services operating successfully in Kalgoorlie, Derby and Broome.
