NEW DAY RESPITE CENTRE FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Thursday, 13 September 2007
The construction of a new respite care centre at the indigenous Mutitjulu Community has been completed and opened at an official ceremony on the 13th September.
A project undertaken by the charitable trust, the Mutitjulu Foundation, the new respite centre is the result of a complete upgrade of previous facilities and the construction of new buildings and amenities.
Built to provide much needed day respite facilities to support Mutitjulu elderly, the centre will allow residents to meet for help with their daily needs, receive nutritious meals and participate in activities such as arts, crafts and games, as well as providing a location of safe amenity.
The centre will be managed by staff from Frontier Services, a national agency of the Uniting Church which has responsibility for ministry and community services in remote areas of Australia.
The respite centre represents the first major project that the Mutitjulu Foundation has committed to, and was identified as the priority need by members of the Mutitjulu Community after extensive and ongoing consultation.
With a forecast final cost of around $400,000, the respite centre has been funded by the Mutitjulu Foundation with a significant contribution from the Federal Department of Health and Ageing. A partnership between Voyages Ayers Rock Resort and the Mutitjulu Community, the Mutitjulu Foundation aims to provide sustainable programs to improve the health, education and employment opportunities of the Anangu people.
The project realises a tangible and much needed facility that reflects the importance and benefits of strong partnerships between Government, the private sector, and the community itself. Voyages also acknowledge the support and contribution made by many central Australian based businesses in the project.
Sammy Wilson, Chairman of the Mutitjulu Community Council, said: "The Mutitjulu Council and community are very excited to see this project completed as it will be a great facility for the community's elderly citizens. The Centre will provide an environment where they can participate in all sorts of activities such as art and craft and also receive basic care and nutritious meals.
"The Respite Centre is a great example of the Community Council working with the Mutitjulu Foundation and the federal government and we are very proud of the result."
Voyages Hotels and Resorts and parent The GPT Group, launched the Mutitjulu Foundation in December 2003 with a donation of $250,000. Every guest at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort is invited to contribute to the charity through voluntary donations, which Voyages matches dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000 each year. To date the Foundation has raised almost $900,000.
John Morse, Chairman of the Mutitjulu Foundation, said: "We should pay tribute to the community for working towards realizing the vision of the respite centre and the foresight shown by The GPT Group and Voyages in establishing the Mutitjulu Foundation."
Following completion of the respite centre, a range of new projects are being discussed with the community, involving youth initiatives, cultural performance and health.
Chris Tallent, Chief Executive of Voyages Hotels and Resorts, said: "We're delighted to see the completion of the first in a number of major initiatives planned by the Foundation. It's a significant achievement and we also acknowledge and thank the many guests of the resort who have generously contributed to the Mutitjulu Foundation over the years."
Mutitjulu Foundation Contacts:
John Morse, Chairman and Director of the Mutitjulu Foundation.
Mutitjulu Foundation Directors:
Chris Tallent, Chief Executive Officer Voyages Hotels and Resorts.
Bruce Morris, Hotel/Tourism Portfolio Manager, The GPT Group.
Tony Mayell, Resort General Manager Voyages Ayers Rock Resort.
David Hedges, Executive General Manager Legal and Property, Voyages Hotels and Resorts.
For further information please contact:
John Morse, Mutitjulu Foundation Chairman, on 0418 672 798.
Louise Longman, Voyages Hotels and Resorts PR Manager, on +61 2 8296 8054 or email louise.longman@voyages.com.au
Voyages is an Australian travel company, providing experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations including the Red Centre, Queensland, The Kimberley and Tasmania. Voyages operate award-winning properties such as Ayers Rock Resort, Longitude 131°, Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge and Cradle Mountain Lodge.