| Waringarri Group Home, Kununurra |
| Years of Operation | June 1982 – remains open in 2010 |
| Role Of Facility | Short-term, residential child care on a family model for up to eight Indigenous children. |
| Sponsoring Agency | Departmental - predessors to the current Department for Child Protection / Waringarri Community |
| Address(es) | (Kununurra is situated approximately 3,200 kilometres north of Perth.) |
| Aliases | Kununurra Group Home |
| Brief History | An unreferenced Departmental file relating to Reserve No. 35812, which was provided by the Department for Child Protection for Signposts research project indicates that in “1978, the need for a Group Home was established and Lot 1037 selected and service costs of $3300 paid. Capital improvements by ‘Grant-in-Aid’ with Management by Waringarri by contract.”
Group Homes could be developed relatively inexpensively, so they were able to be located within country towns close to the child’s home of origin, which was seen to be particularly advantageous. “The involvement and access to parents by these placements is often a major step in the rehabilitation of a family group.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1979). For notes on a general history of these facilities, see the section on Group Homes at the beginning of Signposts.
“Funds have been made available for a Group Home at Kununurra which it is proposed will be managed by the Waringarri Community with the support of the department and the Aboriginal Advisory and Development Services.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1979).
“The Group Home which will be managed by the Waringarri Community should be completed by the end of 1980 and will be a valuable addition to Child Care Resources in the East Kimberley.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1980).
In the 1981 Annual Report, the group home was not yet ready – being reported as “currently in the process” of being established.
“The Waringari Association, which is an Aboriginal group, operates a local drop-in centre for children in the town, particularly Aboriginal children. They have a bus, and organise swimming and camping excursions for the children during the school holidays. Subsidised homemakers from the Waringari Association run a lunch order programme at the local school, efforts are also being made to begin a driver-training course.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1981).
The Waringarri Group Home was officially opened by the Minister for Community Welfare on June 1st 1982. “Interviews were jointly conducted by the Chairman of ‘Waringarri’ and Departmental staff, to select a suitable couple to act as Group Home parents.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1982).
A Grant-in-Aid was received in 1980 for a progress payment and model; in 1981 for another progress payment and furniture; in 1982 for air conditioning and furniture freight; in 1983 for construction costs; in 1984 for furniture, equipment and operating costs.
The Annual Report of 1984 made it clear that the Waringarri agency operated the Group Home “under contract from” the Department. (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, 1984).
Departmental files from 1984 indicate that Waringarri provided short term accommodation (plus one emergency youth bed) for up to eight young people with the object of facilitating reconciliation with family. Waringarri could also provide overnight accommodation for children in transit. At the time of report in 1984, there were no children resident in the facility. |
| Records | Case records for young people placed by the Department may reside with the Department of Communities.
Additionally, the Department for Child Protection’s Aboriginal Index and the guide, “Looking West”, should be consulted for information. |
| Access | While access to records is restricted to protect the privacy of individuals, people are encouraged to enquire. |
| Contact Details | Freedom of Information
Department of Communities
Locked Bag 5000, Fremantle WA 6959
Telephone: (08) 6414 3344
Country free call: 1800 176 888
Email: foi@communities.wa.gov.au
Website: www.communities.wa.gov.au |
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