ON COUNTRY DIVERSION DEAL ANNOUNCED

Emama Nguda operations manager Ben Burton, WA Regional Development minister Alannah MacTiernan, Member for Kimberley Divina D'Anna, and KRED CEO Damian Parriman announce plans for a new Juvenile Offender’s diversion facility in the Kimberley yesterday. Courtesy Alannah MacTiernan.

The WA Government has selected Marlamanu Pty Ltd to provide a long awaited on-country diversion facility and pilot program in the Kimberley for youth at risk.

Regional Development minister Alannah MacTiernan said a detailed service agreement would now be negotiated to see a $15 million Aboriginal-led diversionary program established at the Myroodah station, approximately 112 kilometres south-east of Derby in the West Kimberley.

The program aims to provide up to 16 places each year for young men aged 14 and 17. 

“What we’re trying to do here is, through showing Aboriginal leadership and role models, getting these kids reconnecting with country, re-setting their moral compass and developing a belief in themselves and an understanding that they can be masters of their own destiny and that they can create a different life for themselves,” Ms MacTiernan said.

It is expected the facility will open in the second half of 2023, with recruitment of the principal and detailed facility design to commence in the next few weeks.

The McGowan Government will also provide around $240,000 to Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation and Miruwung Gajerrong Aboriginal Corporation to progress planning and development of other safe place residential accommodation proposals in Derby and Kununurra.