Published on Thursday, 2 July 2026 at 3:01:00 AM
Bringing Essential Services to Community: Yura Yungi Hosts Successful Aged Care & Disability Expos in Halls Creek and Warmun
Yura Yungi Medical Service's Elder Care Support and NDIS teams have successfully delivered two Aged Care & Disability Expos in Halls Creek and Warmun, creating valuable opportunities for community members, Elders, carers and families to connect directly with service providers, government agencies and local support organisations.
The expos were designed to make aged care and disability information more accessible by bringing essential services into community. For many people living in remote areas, navigating the aged care and disability systems can be challenging, with geographical distance, travel costs and limited face-to-face opportunities often creating barriers to accessing support. By delivering these services locally, community members were able to have meaningful conversations, ask questions, receive personalised advice and better understand the pathways available to them.
Across both events, community members explored a wide range of services designed to support healthy ageing, disability, early childhood development and overall wellbeing. The expos also provided an opportunity for organisations to strengthen relationships, improve collaboration and work together to better meet the needs of individuals and families across the East Kimberley.
Government agencies supporting community
A highlight of the Halls Creek Expo was the attendance of Marianne, an Aged Care Assessor from APM, together with Mia, NDIS Assistant Director, and Jenine, NDIS Planner, from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Having these agencies physically present in community is invaluable. Rather than travelling long distances or relying solely on phone and online appointments, local people were able to speak directly with decision-makers, receive immediate guidance and begin progressing applications and assessments in a culturally safe and familiar environment.
The impact of this visit was immediate and tangible.
During the Halls Creek Expo, Marianne successfully completed aged care assessments for nine community members, helping determine their eligibility for Commonwealth-funded aged care services. These assessments are a vital first step in connecting older people with the supports they need to remain independent, healthy and engaged within their communities.
The visit also created opportunities for many community members and their families to ask questions about aged care services, understand assessment processes and begin planning for future support needs.
Strengthening access to disability supports
Alongside the expo, Yura Yungi's Remote Community Connector (RCC) and Community Connector Coordinator (CCC) staff worked closely with community members to support engagement with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through the Disability Expo and follow-up appointments.
Community members received assistance with NDIS access enquiries, plan implementation, plan reviews and representative arrangements, ensuring participants could confidently navigate the Scheme and maximise the supports available to them.
Several families were assisted to update Child Representative and nominee arrangements, enabling primary carers to effectively advocate for children and access important NDIS information and services.
Participants were also connected with Support Coordinators, Local Area Coordinators and allied health providers to help progress their plans and access appropriate supports.
For those exploring eligibility for the Scheme, the RCC and CCC teams provided guidance around NDIS eligibility requirements, evidence collection and future application pathways. Staff also supported participants reviewing existing funding arrangements, changing service providers and overcoming barriers that may have prevented them from engaging with disability services.
Importantly, the outreach extended beyond the expos themselves. Engagement in Warmun resulted in a new referral from the community, further expanding opportunities for people living in remote areas to access disability services and ongoing support.
These outcomes demonstrate the importance of taking services directly to community, where trusted relationships can be built and barriers to accessing support can be reduced.
Showcasing Yura Yungi's services
The expos also highlighted the breadth of services delivered by Yura Yungi Medical Service, demonstrating the organisation's commitment to supporting community members throughout every stage of life.
Visitors had the opportunity to meet staff and learn more about a range of Yura Yungi programs, including:
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Yura Yungi Menkawum Ngurra Elders Residence
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Elder Care Support
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NDIS Services
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Healthy Ageing
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Early Childhood Services
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Rheumatic Heart Disease Program
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Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS)
Each information booth provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions, learn about available supports and build stronger connections with the staff delivering these essential programs throughout the East Kimberley.
It was particularly pleasing to welcome residents from the Yura Yungi Menkawum Ngurra Elders Residence, who enjoyed spending time out in the community, engaging with service providers and catching up with family, friends and familiar faces throughout the day.
The expos were well attended in both Halls Creek and Warmun, reflecting the community's interest in learning more about aged care and disability services and highlighting the importance of delivering accessible information close to home.
Working together for stronger communities
The success of both expos was made possible through the collaboration of numerous organisations committed to improving health and wellbeing outcomes across the East Kimberley.
Yura Yungi acknowledges the valued support of the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) Elder Care and NDIS Support Team for their assistance in planning and delivering the expos.
Yura Yungi also thanks APM, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Kimberley Therapy Services, Wayfinders, Springs of Hope and Farnorth for participating in the events and sharing their knowledge and expertise with community members.
Improving access through partnership
Through ongoing advocacy, care coordination, information sharing and community outreach, Yura Yungi's Elder Care Support, NDIS, RCC and CCC teams remain committed to improving access to aged care and disability services for Aboriginal people across the East Kimberley.
These expos demonstrate what can be achieved when local organisations, government agencies and community work together. By bringing services directly into remote communities, barriers to access are reduced, stronger partnerships are formed and community members are empowered to make informed decisions about their care and future.
Yura Yungi Medical Service looks forward to continuing this collaborative approach, ensuring older people, people living with disability and their families can access the information, services and support they need—close to home and surrounded by community.
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