At Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL), we often name our hostels after inspirational First Nations people and early AHL supporters. For example, Daisy Yarmirr Hostel in Darwin, Northern Territory (NT), celebrates one of our first female AHL Board Directors.
Daisy Yarmirr (Wagbara) was born on Croker Island (off Darwin) in 1943. With a medical background, having been listed over the years as both a nursing aide and an Aboriginal Health Worker, Daisy co-authored several articles in medical journals. Her area of interest was the long-term effects of nutritional programs within remote Aboriginal communities. She was a positive advocate in the local First Nations community and became the President of her local Warrawi Community Council.
In 1975, 2 years after AHL was formed, Daisy joined AHL’s Board, becoming one of a small group of First Nations people on the Board who helped establish and oversee AHL’s expansion.
The first few years of AHL’s inception were a time of rapid growth. Two hostels were built in Darwin (Galawu and Silas Roberts hostels), to be close to the old Darwin Hospital (which has since closed). Later, construction of a larger and more modern hospital, now known as Royal Darwin Hospital, commenced.
In October 1976, AHL opened a new hostel in close proximity to the new hospital, calling it the Daisy Wagbara Hostel (now the Daisy Yarmirr Hostel). This hostel was originally established to provide accommodation for First Nations out-patients of the Royal Darwin Hospital, conveniently located only 1.5 kms away.
Today, Daisy Yarmirr Hostel is a busy and vibrant multipurpose hostel, with 31 resident units for families or single people.
It is wonderful to remember and acknowledge the names behind our hostels, like one of AHL’s ‘founding mothers,’ Daisy Yarmirr. We hope Daisy Yarmirr Hostel continues to be a comfortable and affordable home away from home for people in Darwin and surrounding NT communities for years to come.
To find out more, please visit our Daisy Yarmirr Hostel webpage.
‘Daisy Yarmirr Hostel is full of friendly staff willing to go beyond and help with your personal needs. I feel I have been blessed with being in their care.’ – Former AHL resident.
Source: AHL's 1974-1975 Annual Report