Helping First Nations Peoples stay on Country while undergoing dialysis
The Australian Government is funding $18.58 million for extra dialysis units. This is part of its investment in Better Renal Services for First Nations Peoples.
Dialysis will be available in more remote locations. Allowing First Nations Peoples to stay closer to home and on Country during treatment for end-stage kidney disease.
Good quality water is vital for dialysis treatment. During an average week of treatment, a patient can need between 300 and 600L of water.
The National Water Grid Fund’s (NWGF) First Nations projects are providing better water security in these communities. This ensures good quality water is available.
Communities benefiting from the extra dialysis units and critical water projects include:
- Alekarenge (Ali Curung), Northern Territory. This community is included in the NWGF ‘Community Infrastructure Assessments and Prioritisation’ project. This project is providing an engineering analysis of essential water infrastructure for 55 remote Aboriginal communities.
- Maningrida, Northern Territory. The NWGF ‘Maningrida Water Supply Upgrade’ construction project is underway. It will improve the reliability of the Maningrida community’s water network.
- Yuendumu, Northern Territory. The NWGF ‘Yuendumu Water Security and Supply Strategy’ construction project is underway. It addresses the severe risk of water source failure in Yuendumu. It also supports housing developments within the remote Aboriginal community.
- Jigalong and Warburton, Western Australia. These communities are included in the NWGF ‘Water Pipework Replacement Program – Phase 1’ construction project. This project is replacing aged and damaged water pipework in 20 remote Aboriginal communities.
The extra dialysis units will also benefit the:
- Galiwin’ku community in the Northern Territory
- Normanton community in Queensland.
Safe and reliable drinking water is fundamental for all people. It supports health, wellbeing and life outcomes.
The Australian Government has committed $150 million within the NWGF. This will support water infrastructure for First Nations communities in regional and remote Australia.