On Tuesday 11 November 2025, guests met at Aboriginal Hostels Limited’s (AHL) Apmere Mwerre Visitors Park (AMVP) for the official opening of its expanded facility. It was an afternoon dedicated to celebrating First Nations culture, connection and legacy.
AHL received $4.9 million in Commonwealth Government funding to construct new accommodation facilities for 20 additional short-term beds at AMVP, ensuring more First Nations families have a safe place to sleep and seek support, including those impacted by family and domestic violence.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy attended the event in Alice Springs to officially open the AMVP expansion.
Senator McCarthy said, ‘This investment is about dignity, safety and respect, ensuring First Nations women and children have access to a safe place to stay, especially in times of crisis.
‘All women and children deserve to feel safe and supported.
‘Investments like this reflect the Albanese Government’s commitment to working with communities as part of the Central Australia Plan, listening to their needs and delivering practical support that makes a real difference in people’s lives.’
AHL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Shane Hamilton PSM outlined that the expansion at AMVP will help ease growing demand for a home away from home in Central Australia.
‘Our expanded accommodation at AMVP demonstrates our intention to grow our legacy of care and cultural support in Central Australia.
‘These enhancements help us deliver on our purpose, to provide culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people. upgrading this facility builds on AHL’s legacy, of providing more than 50 years of service for First Nations people.
‘We will continue to work hard to ensure cultural connection is at the heart of our work and national footprint, knowing that true care is grounded in belonging, identity and community ties,’ AHL CEO Mr Hamilton said.
Stakeholders directly involved with the construction project were invited to attend the official opening of the expansion project, including construction company Edifice NT, project management company Evolve FM and architect Sue Dugdale from Sue Dugdale and Associates (SDA).
Local Alice Springs organisation, Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, performed the Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and cultural dance to officially welcome guests to the event and premises.
AMVP residents, staff and other stakeholders, such as from federal, territory and local governments, attended the event to join the celebrations.
Following speeches from SDA’s Ms Sue Dugdale, the expansion project’s architect, Ms Shona Reid, AHL Board Director, and Senator McCarthy, guests were invited to tour the new facilities and have a yarn.
SDA used their local expertise and knowledge in local country design to carefully plan the AMVP expansion, ensuring the design was culturally safe and complemented the existing premises.
AMVP is owned by the Northern Territory (NT) Government and AHL operates it on their behalf. AHL acknowledges the NT Government for their ongoing support.
For more information about the hostel, please visit the Apmere Mwerre Visitors Park webpage.