Aboriginal businesses help deliver culturally accessible pathway to health

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) has awarded a record number of service contracts to Aboriginal organisations, delivering a range of key support services from passenger transport, horticulture and domestic assistance, to building repairs and maintenance.

In the past year, WACHS awarded 14 contracts to Aboriginal businesses worth a combined contract value of $4.85 million.

These arrangements have seen WACHS exceed the benchmark set by the Department of Finance’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy by five per cent for the last financial year.

Of the 14 businesses, nine are based in the Kimberley, three in the South West and two in the Pilbara.

WACHS Director of Procurement and Contract Management Penny Kennedy said the contracts were a great example of WACHS working with local communities.

“This is a great outcome for directing business to Aboriginal organisations.

“Working hand-in-hand with local businesses, WACHS is ensuring our regional hospitals and health services remain community-centred.

“These organisations are helping us deliver exceptional services to country communities,” Ms Kennedy said.

“At the same time, we’ve been able to make sure the funds are supporting local businesses.”