Over the last few decades, Pintupi Health, Purple House & Red Dust have separately worked with the community in health, well-being and connection but all recently came together for the event.  

Speeches were given, ceremony performed, meals shared, and memories revisited.

The unmistakable highlight of the entire event was live music every night. Bands from across the central desert region travelled to the community. These bands included Running Water, Desert Mulga, Tjupi Band as well as top end superstars Nathan Fejo and the cruisers.

The remote community is in the Western Desert of the Northern Territory and home to the Pintupi people. The Pintupi people are strong and proud culturally and made history in 2004 when they became the first remote Aboriginal community to provide dialysis treatment locally.  

The Purple House website tells the story of how funds raised from the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal purchased a dialysis machine which was installed in the Kintore Clinic, with the first dialysis treatment taking place on 25th September 2004.

For those who need access to this life saving treatment, being able to remain on country has its own benefits. Not only is connection to country as essential part of culture and health, but being over 500kms from Alice Springs means the health clinic brings an element of comfort to Pintupi People.

Red Dust recently connected with The Goods who provide a range of equipment and services across remote parts of the community. This includes building beds out of recyclable materials that are easy to transport, construct and provide to people living remotely.

As part of the Healthy Living Program that took place during the weeklong celebrations, we were able to bring the beds into Kintore and distribute them to young people. Program Manager James Ivill and Program coordinator Bridget McMullun involved students from the primary school in the bed making process before delivering them across the community into homes.

Strong Young Men and Boys & Strong Young Women's connection to Country Program

Being able to deliver both of these programs during the event was an incredible coming together of people, culture and connection.

Both teams were able to get out onto country and provide their programs to people from the community, ranging from the students to the elders. Watching everyone come together during this time was an incredible moment to not only witness but be a part of. The strength of this community — their knowledge, culture and perseverance to preservation is both staunch and holds value for each generation.

Hairdressing a hit in Kintore!

The unassuming winner of the event was having Nish and Alice, Mbantua based hair stylists join us for the event, providing free haircuts, colouring and styling to the community. Their chairs were full every day with women, men, boys, girls and even babies lining up to let the professionals do what they do best.

Congratulations to Kintore for all their work in providing health-based programs and services within their community.

I really want to say thank you for Purple House, Pintupi Health Service and Red Dust. They are close to the Anangu people, connected to us. Like family.

Justin Corby — Walungurru Teacher

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