NAHS history

The timeline below depicts some significant events before and after the establishment of the Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service.

1933 

Gold mining boom and swells in population prompt infrastructure development including a regular railway service to Perth, four hotels and general amenities and facilities

Construction of the Wiluna Hospital comprising during the town’s resurgence
Ngangganawili Aboriginal community located 14km from Wiluna

1940'sIndigenous peoples of the Western Desert began visiting and residing in the Wiluna town.
1957Establishment of the Seventh-Day Adventist Mission. Indigenous children separated from their parents and friends, placed in mission facilities, and discouraged to sharing of traditional cultural information, practices and beliefs.
1967

Downturn in the mining industry leading to decline in population
Closure of the Wiluna Hospital and the establishment of a nursing post in its place

1971The introduction of non-restrictive drinking rights for Indigenous people in Wiluna
1973Aboriginal Medical Service established in Perth 
1981The inaugural Wiluna Shire Office commenced operation in the former Hospital building
Gold mining recommenced in the Wiluna area
Late 1980's
Move to centralise services and the indigenous community in town.
Establishment of Aboriginal business enterprises including an Emu Farm.
National Aboriginal Health Strategy developed 
Early 1990'sThe community Doctor, Nurse, and community member Richard Whittington worked with the Aboriginal community to advocate for better health services base.
1993

Wiluna Nursing post seeing 15 Indigenous people per day

New boundaries for the Shire of Wiluna drawn with Shire elections with the community Doctor, Nurse, and community member Richard Whittington being elected as councillors.

Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service incorporated as an Aboriginal Corporation and negotiated with the State Government to operate out of the existing nursing post

Many non-Indigenous did not accept the now Aboriginal controlled nursing post and transferred their medical records to mainstream GP services in Meekathara

Funding levels from the Australian Government set at $730,000. Three staff employed at the service.

Own source revenue through Medicare billing at $30,000

The Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health formed by the Australian Government

1995

Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service gaining greater support in the wider community

Home And Community Care program established

1996

Sobering Up Shelter and Night Patrol service commenced and managed by Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service

Community policing negotiated with the Wiluna Police

Western Australian Government Office of Aboriginal Health established

1997Successful advocacy for more roads to be sealed  
2000

Home And Community Care building erected

Western Australian Government Aboriginal Health Strategy released

2005Parenting and Early Childhood Centre erected
2006Successful advocacy for a community swimming pool 
2007 and beyond

Karalundi clinic erected

Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service reached 32 FTE staff and 60 casual

Funding levels from the Australian Government set at $2.7m

Own source revenue through Medicare billing at $130,000

Demand levels on the service continue to increase with the facility deemed non compliant with Western Australian Government Licensing Standards for the Arrangements for Management, Staffing And Equipment for Private Nursing Posts due to the facility not being designed for the volume of people using the service.

50/50 funding agreed to for new clinic from State and Australian Governments for a new clinic in Wiluna