The NSW Government and Aboriginal Affairs NSW have made a joint investment of $250,000 into Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (RivMed). The funding transformed an existing establishment, at the Docker Street clinic, into a Wellness Centre to boost local efforts towards Closing the Gap in First Nations health.
On Thursday (21 December), RivMed board members, stakeholders, staff, and community gathered for the Centre’s opening and blessing, held at the annual RivMed Christmas Party.
In her opening address, Chief Executive Officer Peta Larsen highlighted the importance of the Wellness Centre and said it fulfilled the community’s identified needs.
“It’s more than a gym; the Centre offers bathrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities that are readily available and located in a safe environment,” Ms Larsen said.
“Clients can access these amenities whilst visiting our clinic for their appointments; they can put a load of washing on, while seeing their GP, and this just makes day-to-day tasks easier for them,
“RivMed provides practical facilities, as part of our holistic service, as we know that there are external barriers preventing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from accessing health services,”
“In addition to the onsite Wellness Centre, RivMed also provide transport to and from services and soon, the Centre will include a food pantry for families to access in times of hardship,” Ms Larsen said.
After a traditional smoking ceremony and the ribbon cutting, community were invited on a walkthrough the facility, followed by lunch and Christmas activities.
RivMend’s annual Christmas Party allowed families to participate in arts and crafts, become RivMed clients, and receive health promotional giveaways.
The Community Wellness Centre will be open from Monday, 8 January 2024.
Facility inclusions:
- 12 x Treadmills
- Weights & Crossfit Equipment
- Kitchen, complete with stove top and oven
- Laundry with washing machine and dryer
- Quiet space / family sanctuary
END
Media Contact: Ms Peta Larsen, Chief Executive Officer, Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (02) 6923 5300
