The construction of modern staff accommodation at Calvary Health Care’s Mulakunya flexible aged care service in Wurrumiyanga, formerly Nguiu, on Bathurst Island, Northern Territory, is officially underway.

Darwin Commercial Construction and Maintenance has been awarded the contract, which is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.

Calvary General Manager Home Care South Australia/Northern Territory, Susie Jackson, said Mulakunya enabled locals requiring culturally-appropriate aged care services to remain “on country” supported by a predominantly fly-in, fly-out workforce.

“We know that providing contemporary accommodation will assist staff retention efforts, and a stable workforce ultimately contributes to improved outcomes for the wellbeing and experience of our residents and the locals in the community that we serve.”

“It is exciting to see this grant-funded project get underway, and Calvary is very much looking forward to the benefits for the Mulakunya service after completion,” Ms Jackson said.

Representatives from Calvary’s home care and infrastructure teams joined Darwin Commercial Construction and Maintenance on site to witness the start of the new safe, comfortable, private and culturally appropriate accommodation for 15 staff.

“We are pleased to be delivering this project, which is an important investment in the staff who deliver the care at this vital service,” Darwin Commercial Construction and Maintenance’s Director Cameron Bowes said.

Works are expected to be completed early next year.