NYIAPARLI MOB DRIVE CHANGE IN DIALYSIS AND HEALTHCARE ACCESS
BY TANGIORA HIANKI
After months of listening to community concerns, the Kulyakartu and Nyiyaparli communities—represented by Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC)—have made two core priorities clear: improving access to dialysis and providing culturally safe accommodation in Perth for patients travelling from the Pilbara.
Consultant Fran Haintz from Grounded Impact, who led the engagement process said these priorities emerged after extensive yarns with mob across the Pilbara and in Perth.
“We were asked to really listen and understand what people were going through,” she said.
“And what we found were huge gaps, people not getting picked up from the airport, being shuffled between Mandurah and Rockingham for treatment, and in some cases, ending up sleeping in city parks just to make it to their dialysis appointments.”
Ms Haintz says the cultural disconnect in the health system, combined with logistical failures, has made accessing treatment far more difficult than it should be.
“There’s a complete lack of cultural competency,” she said.
“People told us they felt uncomfortable in the hostels. The food wasn’t right for their health needs, and there was no space for family.”
A new plan includes a wraparound Health and Wellbeing Centre in Perth dedicated to the Nyiyaparli community.
KNAC will partner with Purple House, a respected Aboriginal-run dialysis provider already operating in WA, to help deliver community-centred support.
That means airport pickups, culturally safe spaces to rest and yarn, help understanding medical advice, and meals that are appropriate for patients living with kidney disease.
“We want to make sure people feel supported from the moment they leave home to the moment they return,” Ms Haintz said.
“This isn’t about just surviving—this is about helping people live better and longer.”
A Nyiyaparli Health Coordinator and Dialysis Patient Support Worker will also be appointed to help people navigate the system, support early screening, and explain treatment options, including transplants.
“Only one person from the community has had a transplant and now lives a normal life. That’s something we need to talk about more because it shows there’s hope.”
A new community committee will be formed to oversee the next phase and keep the process community-led. Ms Haintz said the work doesn’t stop at Nyiyaparli’s borders.
“The board has made it clear—they want to share everything they’ve learnt with other mobs. This model has the potential to improve outcomes across the Pilbara.”
And for those who still don’t believe it’s possible to move beyond dialysis, she said, there is proof.
“We know someone who got that transplant and turned their life around. I’ll see if they’d be happy to share their story, it could inspire so many others.”
Listen to the Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki speak with Fran Haintz: