A council-owned car park in Redfern, an inner suburb of Sydney, will be transformed into an aged care facility specifically designed for Indigenous elders. The City of Sydney Council awarded the $20 million site to Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care for a nominal fee of just $1. This facility will cater to up to 50 residents and is expected to provide culturally appropriate care for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Jarin Baigent, the CEO of Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care and a member of the Wiradjuri people, expressed the significance of the project, stating, “It will mean deep reassurance for our people in our community that our elders are going to be properly cared for.” For over 30 years, Wyanga has offered culturally safe home care and support services next to the car park, and this new development marks a significant expansion of their capabilities.
Community-Centered Care for Indigenous Elders
Established in 1996, Wyanga has evolved through various transformations, receiving support from the federal government and becoming a community-controlled organization. Previously, the organization operated from a renovated plumbing shop, thanks to the Indigenous Land Corporation, which provided a modern facility for their services. Baigent noted, “This is a true demonstration of what culturally safe and meaningful care looks like for our people into the future.”
The collaboration with not-for-profit Uniting will further enhance the project’s scope, as they will assist in the design and construction of the facility. Gavin Mackey, the Director of First Nations Strategy and Outcomes at Uniting, emphasized the necessity for Indigenous organizations to lead in providing aged care. “Mainstream aged care services were not fully equipped in providing culturally appropriate care,” Mackey said. He added that the goal is for Wyanga to eventually operate independently, fostering self-determination within the community.
A Long-Term Commitment to Cultural Sensitivity
The site will continue to offer public parking, with plans to relocate the existing 55-space car park underground as part of the development. The council has stipulated that the site must be used for aged care purposes indefinitely. Lord Mayor Clover Moore highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that the City of Sydney aims to address the housing needs of various community members, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have long called this area home.
As Australia faces a critical shortage of aged care beds—currently, 1,100 individuals are waiting in hospitals for placements—this project comes at a crucial time. Recent statements from New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park noted that this figure is equivalent to two Sydney hospitals, placing immense pressure on emergency departments.
New laws aimed at reforming the aged care system will come into effect on November 1, 2023, following a Royal Commission that highlighted systemic failures and made 148 recommendations for improvement. While these laws aim to enhance support for culturally appropriate care, Baigent stressed that more initiatives are needed to empower Aboriginal organizations to lead in this critical area. “All of our elders deserve to be cared for everywhere,” she asserted.
This new aged care facility represents a significant step forward in ensuring that Indigenous elders receive the respect and care they deserve within their community. As the project progresses, it is anticipated that it will not only uplift the lives of its residents but also foster a broader commitment to culturally sensitive care across Australia.
