Gulf community members 'shocked' after Gidgee Healing announces management of aged services to end

Its the second organisation to stop providing the services to the three communities in recent years, with local leaders calling on government not to 'turn their backs' on the elderly residents who need care.

Alec Doomadgee tells NITV that the local aged care service has shut down unexpectedly in his community.

Locals say they are "shocked" after an Aboriginal Health organisation announced it could not continue running aged care centres in three Gulf Communities.

Since 2021, Gidgee Healing has provided management of three centres that contained 45 beds in Doomadgee, Normanton and Mornington Island.

The organisations took over from North West Remote Health, which also pulled out of its agreement due to funding.

Gidgee Healing will discontinue looking after the services on June 30, telling NITV in a statement the decision not to renew an agreement with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DOHA) was "not an easy one."

"[It] has been necessary due to many circumstances outside the immediate control of Gidgee Healing, such as the COVID pandemic, chronic shortages of affordable workforce and inadequate staff infrastructure," it said.

According to DOHA, funding for the three aged care services had increased by 50 per cent since 2019.

"In addition, since Gidgee commenced delivering aged care services in 2021, the department has provided over $3 million to engage a clinical workforce," it said in a statement.

Waanyi, Garawa and Gangalidda man Alec Doomadgee said he has been receiving calls from community members since the news broke.

The Gidgee Healing Aged Care Services bus. Source: Supplied

"Local people out there that are calling me absolutely in shock and horrified about what's to happen with their loved ones - where did they go," Mr Doomadgee said.

Speaking to NITV on the same day the Queensland Premier announced that landmark treaty legislation will be introduced to the state’s parliament next week, Mr Doomadgee emphasised the issues remote communities are dealing with daily.

"It’s insulting to our people, to the Waanyi, Garawa and Gangalidda people in Doomadgee who have to beg for scraps to keep their Elders alive and a service that provides pretty good for our mob out there that has now disappeared," he said.

Aerial shot of Doomadgee community.

'It's a mess'

Gulf of Carpentaria mayor Jack Bawden said the long term lack of funding for services such as aged care contributed to a health crisis in remote communities.

"It's a mess. The problem is just getting bigger and bigger," he told ABC News.

Mr Bawden said there is a service provider in talks about taking on the service.

"But they are not going to commit themselves until they've got something in black and white that states it is going to be a viable proposition," he said.

"We cannot turn our backs on our elderly residents who rely on this care."

He also said focus needs to be placed on attracting staff to remote communities with better salaries and housing.