First Nations people in Western Australia have long struggled to access the aged care system, with advocates describing the lack of services tailored to Indigenous elders as appalling.
They hope that will change after the opening Perth's first Aboriginal aged care hub, which would aim to break down barriers and offer vulnerable citizens the support they need.
The South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) has brought the service to Mandurah in Perth's south from Bunbury.
SWAMS chief executive Lesley Nelson says the centre is the first for the Perth metropolitan area and they aim to help 100 elders by June.
"They [the elders] can receive home care support program services, but also be included in social activities, daily activities that are happening in the region," Ms Nelson said.
"This is a starting point for us, we've got a base now. We're very proud to lead this project, move forward. Very proud to offer opportunities for our elders to come together."
'We've got no services to help us'
For elders like Aunty Dianna Quartermaine Eades, accessing appropriate aged care services has proven to be a challenge.
"For ladies and families like us, we ain't got no vehicle, we've got no services to help us," she said.
Aunty Kayleen Bennell has welcomed the centre and hopes others will see the benefits in using the hub.
"I reckon it'll definitely be a big help for us elders," Ms Bennell said.
"There's nothing here like that here for us. So, this will be great."
She is looking forward to spending time with people her age.
"I'm very interested in using the gardening services and looking forward to the company of others and engaging more in the activities", she said.
New approach hopes to improve access
The Perth metropolitan area has around 7,800 First Nations people aged over 50, but only 8.6 per cent of them access aged care programs — the lowest rate of any capital city.
Unlike traditional aged care services, the hub will be open to elders aged 50 and over to encourage more to seek help.
"We know that in our Indigenous communities, our life expectancies is much lower than mainstream services and the general population. That's the reason why we start at the age of 50," Ms Nelson said.
"So it opens that opportunity for them to access the support and the services that they require."
The hub has already received great reviews from Aunty Phyllis Kearing Ugle.
"I'm just glad it started and I'm glad it's going to continue on," she said.
For the Senator Sue Lines, the opening has come at a good time, with Australians set to vote on the Voice to Parliament later this year.
"I think what we all recognise now is if we want First Nations people to succeed, then programs and services have to be delivered, planned and led by First Nations people," Senator Lines said.
"It's [the centre's] for Aboriginal elders in the region, and it'll be run by Aboriginal people, and it will promote Aboriginal employment. So it's a real win-win."
The hub will provide social support, group activities, domestic assistance, basic home maintenance and transport for Aboriginal community members over the age of 50.
