Hostel talks on the agenda

Bloodwood Tree Association has welcomed an invitation to address the Pilbara District Leadership Group later this month to discuss the future of the troubled Bunara Maya hostel.

The short-term crisis accommodation centre has been battling to stay open since last March after missing out on Federal funding under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

Bloodwood Tree Association assistant chief executive Bob Neville said since receiving a six-month funding reprieve from the Federal Government, the organisation had begun to "gain traction" during discussions with several State Government departments.

He added an opportunity to address the PDLG meeting was a "step in the right direction" towards gaining sustainable funding for the hostel.

"We will have the floor to talk about what's going on with the hostel and how we get better outcomes for indigenous people in Hedland," he said.

"The group's charter states their No. 1 priority is making sure all children are in safe accommodation and that's something we are going to push.

"We simply don't have the manpower to address the homelessness crisis without more resources; the key is getting all the departments to work together for the betterment of the community."

A spokeswoman for Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the PDLG was part of a wider Regional Reform unit, established to address long-term, systemic changes required to improve Aboriginal economic and social outcomes in the regions.

She said a number of local Aboriginal organisations and service providers would have the opportunity to provide advice to relevant ministers and agencies at the PDLG meeting in Port Hedland.

Mr Neville said Bloodwood Tree Association was also in discussions with the Mental Health Commission to establish a transitional housing program for clients battling drug and alcohol addictions.

"We will continue to work with the Department of Regional Development, the Housing Authority and Mental Health Commission to get better outcomes for Aboriginal people," he said.

"We need to provide some long-term solutions to address the cycle of homelessness in Hedland."

Minister for Mental Health Helen Morton said the State Government had invested more than $1.6 million annually for Bloodwood Tree Association to operate its services.

Ms Morton said her department would review future funding options after meeting with Bloodwood Tree Association chief executive Kylee Hodder on March 10.