COMMUNITY
Nyiyarparli / Martu Country - Newman, Australia
Aboriginal Healthcare Hub
COMMUNITY
Nyiyarparli / Martu Country - Newman, Australia
Aboriginal Healthcare Hub
Project Team
Funding body: Australian Department of Health
Client: Robby Chibawe
CEO Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service
Client Project Managers: Guy Docker
Matthew Sanderson
Source Art Centre: Martumili Art Centre
Artists: Nyarrie Morgan
Nancy Nyanjilpayi Chapman
Dadda Sampson
Bugai Whyoulter
Sue Bung The Collaborative Artwork by: Bugai Whyoulter
Dulcie Gibbs- Jugarda
Jakayu Biljabu
Janice Nixon- Yuwali
Kumpaya Girgirba
Mabel Mitutu- Wakarta
Marjorie Yates
Morika Biljabu
Ngamaru Bidu
Nola Taylor- Ngalangka
Nora Nungabar
Nora Wompi
Rosie Williams- Muntararr
and Thelma Judson Landscape Architect: Conrad Gargett
Structural / Building Services: Prompt Engineering
Civil Engineer: Stellen Consulting
QS: QS Services
Traffic Engineering: KCTT
Compliance: Tecon
Contractors: Devlyn
Solar Panels: Geniux
Visualisation Sketches: Andrew Andersons
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The project is a community-controlled, culturally grounded health facility placing wellness at the centre of community, enabling Martu / Niabali people access high-quality care on Country while strengthening culture, dignity and connection.
Overview
The first purpose-built primary healthcare facility in Newman, this project is a landmark for Aboriginal community-controlled health in the East Pilbara. Designed to embody the ethos of Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, it places wellness, culture and community at the centre of care. Serving Martu and Niabali people across a region the size of Japan, the facility enables comprehensive health services to be accessed on Country, reducing the need for distressing travel to Perth. Through deep co-design, the architecture is grounded in people, culture and landscape, using a courtyard typology, rammed earth, integrated art and endemic landscaping to create a humane, culturally resonant place that supports high-quality care and community pride.
Community Organization
Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service — Nyiyarparli / Martu Country – Newman, Western Australia, Australia
https://www.puntukurnu.com.au/
Community Engagement
Community engagement was central, built on long-term relationships, on-Country consultation and genuine co-design. Informal yarning and sustained presence ensured community voices shaped the architecture, creating a culturally resonant, trusted facility embraced by the people it serves.
Partners
Delivered through close partnership between PAMS, community leaders, clinicians and designers, founded on trust, shared decision-making and culturally safe, community-controlled health care.
