Calvary Silver Circle, the community care arm of Little Company of Mary Health Care, which manages the service, marked the opening of eight new resident places and four new staff accommodation units with a ceremony which involved the local community and the Department of Health and Ageing who funded the buildings.
Libby Saunders, CEO of Calvary Silver Circle said "The new buildings will enable us to provide more services to older residents from the Tiwi Islands. The staff accommodation reduces the overcrowding and lack of privacy in the existing housing. It is expected these units will encourage greater continuity of staff. The staff will participate in the organisation's objective of building the skill base of local people, and act as mentors so that they take a broader role in caring for their older members."
The opening and blessing of the new buildings was a terrific celebration with local men taking part in a traditional smoking and dancing ceremony of the new buildings. Brian Ulungara did the Welcome to Country, and participated in the traditional dance and smoking ceremony. This was followed by a thoughtful reflection by Sr Jennifer Barrow, Province Leader of Little Company of Mary, and Michaline Narjic, a resident of the facility.
The Bishop of Darwin, Eugene Hurley blessed the buildings while the Strong Women's group sang in such a way that it bought pride and unity to all on the day. After the speeches of thanks and appreciation for these extensions, Walter Kerinauia, senior traditional owner, officially opened the buildings by unveiling a painting which will be placed in the residents' accommodation.
Sally Damiano, the facility's Coordinator and her team then provided a wonderful luncheon for the 100 or so people present. Guests included board members from the Little Company of Mary Health Care, local service providers such as the Clinic and the Shire as well as the principal and senior students from Xavier Secondary College.