Wunan Health and Wellbeing Centre’s Integrated Care and Allied Health Program has launched, aiming to improve access to vital health services for people living in Kununurra and the East Kimberley.
The program will introduce ten new allied health and Aboriginal cultural positions, creating new pathways for professionals to live, work, and deliver coordinated, community-focused care for Kununurra residents living with chronic and often complex health conditions.
Building on Wunan Health’s long-held vision to deliver holistic, community-led care that combines clinical excellence with cultural safety, the program will focus on working in partnership across health sectors to coordinate multidisciplinary care, strengthen locally tailored referral pathways, and foster shared learning opportunities.
For Clinical Director Dr Stephanie Trust, the program represents the realisation of a long-held goal to strengthen integrated, culturally grounded care in the East Kimberley.
“For a very long time, I’ve recognised the critical role allied health plays in providing comprehensive primary health care for our communities, families, and patients.
“As a GP, I’ve witnessed firsthand the severe shortage and, at times absence, of local allied health providers, which has caused significant challenges for our patients across the East Kimberley.”
“Reflecting on my early days as an Aboriginal health practitioner, I saw how vital it is to bring together both cultural and clinical expertise to deliver care that is not only effective but culturally safe and relevant for all of our community.”
“It’s about creating the right environment for allied health professionals to thrive in remote settings. The region desperately needs more allied health professionals, so it’s vital we find solutions to not only encourage people to work in remote Australia, but to feel supported and connected enough to stay.”
Co-designed with local health agencies, the program will be monitored through a governance Steering Committee. Ongoing developmental evaluation will be conducted through quarterly meetings of the Kununurra Integrated Care Action Group, ensuring lessons learned and key outcomes are captured for future policy and legislative improvements in remote communities like Kununurra. Membership includes all local health providers: Wunan Health, Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service, Boab Health Service, WA Country Health Service, and key partner Rural Health West.
This program is funded by the Australian Government, with WA Primary Health Alliance acting as the lead agency to deliver the grant.