Wirrimanu (Balgo)

Wirrimanu (Balgo)

Wirrimanu or Balgo is a community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, 800km north west of Alice Springs on the Tanami Highway. The Traditional Custodians of Wirrimanu are the Tjurabalan people, and the Kukatja, Walmajarri, Jaru, Pintupi & Warlpiri language groups within. With a population of 600, the community has a Church, School, Health Clinic, Police Station, Store and Warlayirti Art Centre.

Purple House is working with the community to bring dialysis to Wirrimanu, they have been fighting for dialysis on Country for many years. Balgo community first reached out to Purple House for help in 2018. They had too many people missing home while receiving treatment in places like Perth, Broome, Kununurra and Port Hedland and they wanted to get them back to community. 

Purple House CEO Sarah Brown met with community in June 2019. Since then, Purple House has run many fundraising campaigns under the name “Balgo or Bust” and had some great supporters help. Despite that it has been really hard to get enough funding. COVID also slowed down the progress alot.  

Finally, with thanks to many supporters and funding from the Commonwealth Government, this dream is becoming a reality. The clinic buildings have arrived in Wirrimanu and on-site construction is underway. 

This milestone fulfils a promise made to the late Patrick Tjungurrayi, to bring dialysis to Balgo so people can receive treatment on Country, surrounded by family, community and culture. Patrick was a renowned artist and passionate advocate for dialysis on Country. His artwork is now proudly displayed across the front of the clinic, a powerful tribute to his legacy and a lasting reminder of the purpose behind this project.

With construction progressing on site, the next steps include connecting power and water, installing dialysis machines and getting licenced. then, in a few short months we will be ready for patients to return home. 

If all goes to plan, we’ll be opening the Balgo Dialysis Unit in September 2026. We can’t wait! 

Keep up to date with the project on our New Build page.