Partnering for Change: Support the Domestic Animal Program

Pilbara Meta Maya Regional Aboriginal Corporation through its Environmental Health team, based in Port Hedland, services a number of remote Aboriginal communities across the Pilbara with the “Domestic Animal Management in Remote Aboriginal Communities Program”. This Program has been administered, in partnership with Animal Management in Remote and Regional Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) for over 17 years.

During this time, veterinary services, animal welfare education and community engagement programs have been delivered by the PMMRAC and AMRRIC partnership, which has had a transformative and profound impact on the communities served.

This Program has provided essential services including:

Health and Well-being

• Treating parasites and controlling animal populations reduces the risk of disease, leading to an improved and healthier environment for people and animals alike.
• Healthy pets provide emotional support and companionship, which is particularly valuable in remote communities where mental health resources are limited.
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Animal Welfare

• Desexing programs have significantly reduced unwanted litters, easing the strain on resources and improving animal health.
• Managing animal populations has led to a decrease in aggressive behaviours, enhancing community safety and reducing injuries from dog attacks.
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Community Engagement and Education

• The PMMRAC/AMRRIC team actively engage community members, especially children, in hands-on pet care activities. These initiatives foster a sense of pride and responsibility, while also providing an opportunity for children to learn about animal health and welfare in a fun and interactive way.
• Training programs teach community members how to care for their pets, manage hygiene, and recognize health issues, empowering them to sustain the benefits of these services.

Sustainability and Broader Impact

• By controlling stray animal populations and reducing the kill of wildlife, the Program supports the broader environmental health of these communities.
• The collaboration between PMMRAC, AMRRIC, and community members builds trust and fosters a shared commitment to improving animal and community welfare.

It is unfortunate that the cost of delivering this essential Program has risen significantly and now far exceeds the funding provided by the Environmental Health Program. Moving forward, we will be faced with the reversal of the positive outcomes achieved in the 17 years this Program has been in force. What a waste of the funds provided during this time.

It is vitally important that this Program is delivered across the Pilbara, at least, twice a year. In order to do this PMMRAC and AMRRIC need to raise, by way of ongoing sponsorship, $150,000 per year i.e. $75,000 per six months, but whatever is appropriate for your organisation will be greatly appreciated.

Your sponsorship details will be displayed on every PMMRAC social media site once a month for a period of six months. The team will wear a dedicated shirt showing your sponsorship for the time of the trip and at any other appropriate time.

Your good deed and generous support would be very much appreciated by the PMMRAC/AMRRIC team.

Community members across the Pilbara region give a hearty “thank you”.

Minimum amount of sponsorship is $5,000. To become a sponsor of this crucial Program, please contact Dee Broadmore, Chief Commercial Officer at dee@metamaya.com.au for more information.