The poor conditions at the Ninga Mia community in Kalgoorlie are the result of bad decision-making by government four years ago and its failure to put a supporting exit strategy in place to cover the impact of that decision.  

“The Federal Government’s shut-down in 2004 of the ATSIC Mulga Mallee regional council, took away the ability for the Goldfields Aboriginal community to tailor support to the changing demand and priorities for accommodation of people at Ninga Mia,” said CEO Brian Wyatt.  

“The regional council was giving strong support to the Ninga Mia peoples’ community organization, which was often working in difficult conditions.  

“The shut down of this regional process, which was able to assist with meeting urgent local demand, was the beginning of the slide toward disrepair and despair for the Ninga Mia community.  

“With the Federal governments’ abandonment of ATSIC, the dominos quickly began falling, including the collapse of the local community organization.  

“With a strong Ninga Mia community organization, State Homeswest housing was able to be properly managed, and a strong sense of identity and community pride was evident and growing amongst residents.  

“The Federal and State governments were negligent in ignoring pleas at the time from Kalgoorlie ’s Aboriginal community and wider community for replacement support mechanisms to be put in place.  

“Having been virtually abandoned by State and Federal governments, current conditions at Ninga Mia are not surprising.  

“Ninga Mia is a WA Aboriginal Lands Trust reserve, home to citizens of Western Australia . They are also citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia and their community is clearly deserving of Federal Government support currently on offer for problem communities.  

“It is most urgent that Commonwealth and State agencies consult with community members and together decide and implement a program for ensuring adequate housing and services are returned for Ninga Mia residents,” Mr Wyatt said.

Media contact: Brian Wyatt 0417 970413; David Berry 0417 963089