THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
127/2008
AUSTRALIAN ARMY PROGRAM A SUCCESS IN
KALUMBURU
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP,
today inspected the progress of an Australian Army-led program delivering
infrastructure and training to the remote community of Kalumburu.
The Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP) has seen 140 troops
spend the past three months working with the remote West Australian community to
deliver a new health clinic, improved road access as well as health promotion and
training.
“Kalumburu is one of Australia’s most isolated coastal communities and is nearly 600
kilometres from the Kimberley town of Kununurra,” said Mr Snowdon.
“The work being done here is playing a vital part in improving the living conditions for
these Indigenous Australians.”
An initiative of the Federal Government, AACAP is funded by the Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. This year’s program
has also received $1.7 million from the West Australian Department of Health.
“Army has a long and proud history of working with remote Aboriginal communities,
and has been involved in AACAP for 12 years,” said Mr Snowdon.
“This project has provided soldiers with experience in the logistics of moving
equipment and supplies to a remote area, while they also get to share their skills with
the locals.”
The scope of the AACAP contingent, which is also being supported by navy and air
force personnel, includes;
A $1 million upgrade of 16 kilometres of the road leading into Kalumburu.
Construction of a new $1.6 million dollar cyclone coded health clinic which
has consultation rooms, a pharmacy, a haemodialysis treatment room, baby
wash area and staff accommodation.
An Employability Skills Program which includes a 12 week TAFE accredited
training course that provides 20 locals with a Certificate 1 in Engineering
covering OHS, welding, concreting and basic trade skills.
Medical and dental support as well as environmental health training.
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
