State Government seeks tender for Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation services

The State Government has put out a tender to secure a service provider to run a purpose-built short-stay accommodation for Aboriginal visitors in Geraldton.

The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation in Utakarra will provide 44 units, with the ability to facilitate up to 100 guests.

An official request for tender was released on Tuesday, with Housing Minister John Carey in Geraldton to make the announcement.

The State Government is seeking a proponent to provide services to the guests during their stay.

The facility will be the fourth Aboriginal short stay accommodation throughout the State, with facilities in Kalgoorlie, Derby, and Broome.

Mr Carey said the facility would play an important role within the city.

“Short stays play an important role in providing accommodation for Aboriginal people travelling to regional towns or centres and supporting people experiencing homelessness,” he said.

“It’s critical Aboriginal people visiting larger regional centres from remote communities have a safe, stable and secure place to stay.

“The Geraldton Short Stay is a key component of delivering on the State Government’s All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030, which aims to improve outcomes for Western Australians experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.”

As part of the project, two Yamatji artists have been tasked with creating artworks for the project.

Geraldton artist Nicole Dickerson and Perth-based Justin Martin have been commissioned to design artworks for the entry, a glass mural, and the half basketball court at the facility.

Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the works would reflect the region.

“The Geraldton Short Stay is deeply important to our local community and it’s great that two Yamatji artists have been appointed to create and design artworks for the project,” she said.

“These artworks will be localised to represent the Mid West region and I look forward to seeing the work both Nicole and Justin deliver for the Geraldton Short Stay.”